Mogao Cave 148: Bhaisajyaraja Bodhisattva
Mogao Cave 148: Bhaisajyaraja Bodhisattva
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty
This High Tang (712–756) image is painted on the east slope of the ceiling of the niche in the north wall of the main chamber. Bhaisajyaraja Bodhisattva wears a crown, necklaces, armlets, and other jewelry. The Bodhisattva sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne and holds a bow in the left hand. A patterned nimbus and aureole surround the figure, and a canopy hangs above. Bhaisajyaraja is surrounded by other Bodhisattvas and two Heavenly Kings. The two attendant Bodhisattvas in the foreground also have patterned nimbuses, and are slightly larger than the other figures. The Heavenly Kings, both clad in armor, sit at the sides of the group. One holds a sword while the other holds a pagoda. Large lotus flowers bloom behind the figures.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves M-Mo, page 955.
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 = 955,
title = {{Mogao Cave 148: Bhaisajyaraja Bodhisattva}},
volume = 7,
year = {2016}}