Mogao Cave 17: Embroidery of the Buddha Teaching the Dharma at Vulture Peak

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

Considered rare due to its large size, this embroidered panel was excavated from Mogao Cave 17 in Dunhuang.
Sakyamuni Buddha is portrayed at the center with dark blue hair and a square face featuring a prominent usnisa, long eyebrows, and wide eyes. Both shoulders are covered by the inner orange and dark red outer robe he wears and grasps with the left hand while standing barefoot on a lotus pedestal. The right hand hangs down with palm facing forward. On either side of the pedestal is a lion with its head turned back and mouth open. A round nimbus and a mandorla in the shape of a lotus petal are behind the Buddha. Rocks around the edges of the nimbus and mandorla symbolize Vulture Peak, where Sakyamuni teaches the Dharma. Above the Buddha’s head is a blue canopy with an apsara on either side.
The Buddha is flanked by Bodhisattvas and disciples, but the images have been damaged. In the lower register on the right, there are four male figures, one of whom is a monk; on the left, there are four female figures. All figures kneel and make an offering while an attendant stands behind them. To the side, there are faint inscriptions relating to the offerings.
This embroidery was made using split stitch technique and employing various colored silk threads to create a rich and colorful effect. The composition is well-balanced which gives it a sense of serenity.