Mogao Cave 17: Embroidery of the Thousand Buddhas

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This fragmented piece of embroidery was excavated from Mogao Cave 17 in Dunhuang. The Buddhas are seated in pairs arranged in columns. They have round nimbus, low usnisas, and clear facial features. Long, loose robes cover both shoulders of each Buddha as they hold their hands together in front of their lower chests while sitting in full lotus position on lotus thrones. On the right, there stand two rows of figures making offerings. The figures have tall crowns and long robes, and stand under canopies. The male figures stand in the upper row, while the females are in the lower row.
Although partially damaged, this work nevertheless reveals the solemnity of the immortal Buddhas, and is a reflection of the high level of Buddhist art attained during the Tang dynasty.