Mogao Cave 196: Seated Bodhisattva
Clay
Mogao Cave 196: Seated Bodhisattva
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty
This figure is on the right side of the central altar within the main chamber. The Bodhisattva has smooth skin, plump cheeks, and slender eyes. The face appears tranquil and contemplative. The figure wears a necklace and armlets. A stole is wrapped diagonally across the broad chest. One leg rests on the ground, while the other is folded on the lotus throne. The Bodhisattva’s long lower garment is finely decorated, and falls over the throne in delicate folds.
Though the sculpture was made during the Late Tang period (846–907), it is reflective of the style of the Mid-Tang (756–846), with meticulous features and a full, round face. However, the muscular body and smooth skin are less typical of Mid-Tang works.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves M-Mo, page 1014.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Johnson, Peter and Mankuang and Huntington, Susan and Edson, Gary and Neather, Robert,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves M-Mo},
pages = 1014,
title = {{Mogao Cave 196: Seated Bodhisattva}},
volume = 7,
year = {2016}}