Yulin Cave 21: Water-Moon Avalokitesvara
Yulin Cave 21: Water-Moon Avalokitesvara
CHINA, Gansu, Guazhou
This mural is located on the left side of the south wall within the passageway leading to the antechamber. Cave 21 was created during the Tang dynasty (618–907) with repairs made during the Song dynasty (960–1279). The front passageway was repainted by the Uighurs and thus possesses a distinct style in contrast to some of the other murals. This particular image is rare in this region as it is one of only a few illustrations portraying the Water-Moon Avalokitesvara created during the period of Uighur (1030–1036) ruling over Shazhou.
The mural depicts Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva seated upon a lotus flower, wearing a headdress, stole, and dhoti decorated with floral patterns. The Bodhisattva has a rounded face with small, delicate facial features. Swaying bamboo plants and a large green mandorla are depicted behind the Bodhisattva.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves T-Z, page 1595.
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 T-Z},
pages = 1595,
title = {{Yulin Cave 21: Water-Moon Avalokitesvara}},
volume = 9,
year = {2016}}