Eastern Thousand Buddha Cave 2: Water-Moon Avalokitesvara

CHINA, Gansu, Guazhou; Western Xia period

This mural is located on the north wall of the rear corridor. It depicts Water-Moon Avalokitesvara, a figure inspired by a passage in the Avatamsaka Sutra that uses the reflection of the moon on water as a metaphor to describe the ultimately empty nature of phenomena. The Famous Paintings in History states that the painter of this mural was an artist named Zhou Fang. The work is considered to be of extremely high quality; in fact, some scholars argue that this mural is the most outstanding depiction of Water-Moon Avalokitesvara made during the Western Xia period. Of particular note are the elegant style, the vivid coloring, the detailing of the figures, and the overall beauty of the landscape.
The large figure on the left side of the mural is Water-Moon Avalokitesvara, sitting on a raised structure on the rocky shore of a lake. One foot rests on a lotus, and is surrounded by a vivid green glow; the other leg is bent, with the foot resting on the raised platform. The Bodhisattva wears a dhoti-like lower garment, a blue belt, a red draped stole, and numerous ornaments on the neck and wrists. A large circular nimbus surrounds the head. Beside the Bodhisattva, a vase containing a willow branch rests on a rocky outcrop. Rocks and bamboo are painted in the background.
Four figures riding on a cloud across the green waters of the lake, which has been lightly painted with undulating waves, is in the lower right corner of the mural. The female at the front of the group has a high topknot, wears a red and white long-sleeved robe, and holds a plate of offerings. Beside the female is a male holding an incense burner. He wears a tall headdress, a long wide robe, and a decorative belt. A red silk sash hangs down his side. Behind him is a figure with a bushy beard and a robe with a down-turned collar. He holds a large parcel under his arm and his head is turned, looking at the figure behind him. The last figure on the cloud has a demonic appearance with wild hair, large round eyes, and a gaping mouth. A white scarf is tied around the neck and a garment is worn around the waist. The hands hold a tall banner that flaps in the wind. The banner appears to be painted with a circle containing a lion and a cloud pattern. Behind and surrounding this group of figures is a mass of dark red flames.
Characters from Master Xuanzang’s Journey to Obtain the Sutras are partially visible on the rocks in the upper right corner. Master Xuanzang is shown in profile, wearing a monastic robe, with his head surrounded by a large round nimbus. A disciple stands with his back straight and his head high, holding his golden staff.