Mogao Cave 148: Samantabhadra Bodhisattva

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This image is painted on the right side of the north wall within the main chamber, and corresponds to the image of Manjusri Bodhisattva on the left side of the south wall. Samantabhadra Bodhisattva holds a lotus stalk in one hand and sits upon a lotus throne on the back of a six-tusked white elephant. The Bodhisattva wears an elaborate crown, a necklace, and other jewelry. A flaming nimbus and aureole surround the figure and radiate beams of colorful light. Lotus flowers bloom beneath the feet of the elephant, and in its trunk is the long stem of a lotus which supports the left foot of Samantabhadra. Two attendants gaze upward at the Bodhisattva from the ground; one holds three lotus buds in his arms.