Mogao Cave 17: Vaisravana Crossing the Ocean

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This 9th century painting depicts Vaisravana, Heavenly King of the North, leading a group of heavenly beings on a journey across the sea. They stand on a purple cloud that begins in the upper right corner and steadily grows in size, indicating movement. The Heavenly King wears a tall headdress, armor, and a green stole. A cloud rises from his left hand, supporting a pagoda. The right hand holds a halberd. Flames emerge from both shoulders. Mahadevi is portrayed as a woman holding a gold platter in front of Vaisravana, while Vasu is depicted as a white-haired old man carrying a gold cup, standing behind the Heavenly King. The two sons of the Heavenly King are shown as fair-skinned figures wearing headdresses. Among the yaksas standing behind Vaisravana, there is a bearded figure in a peculiar white headdress. He draws a bow while looking intently at a garuda in the upper right corner, symbolizing the elimination of evil. The ocean in the lower register is depicted with intricate wavy lines, and there are mountain ranges in the distance at the top of the picture.