Mogao Cave 17: Water-Moon Avalokitesvara

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Northern Song dynasty

This silk painting shows Water-Moon Avalokitesvara sitting on a rock above the sea, resting the right foot on a lotus pedestal, and tucking the left leg against the body.The Bodhisattva has a nimbus and a white, moon-like mandorla. The gold headdress and the ornaments that adorn the body stand out against the dark background. A stole is draped across the chest. The left hand holds a willow branch and the right hand carries a vase. A floral canopy hangs at the top of the picture. Trees can be seen in the background. Several lotuses bloom in the pond below the throne.
In the lower register, two figures in black robes make offerings. The figure on the right appears to be a monk attended by a novice. The man on the left has the appearance of a government official. Behind him is a child carrying flowers. The clothes of these figures suggest that the painting was completed after the 10th century.