Mogao Cave 17: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and the Ten Kings of Hell

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties

Dating from the mid-9th century, this painting depicts Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva wearing a headscarf and a voluminous monastic robe, sitting in relaxed posture on a rock under a canopy. The Bodhisattva holds a monk’s staff in the left hand and a jewel in the right hand. A nimbus and aureole outlined with flame patterns surround the body. Ksitigarbha is flanked by the Ten Kings of Hell, each seated behind a table with paper and an ink-stone upon it. The kings are dressed in the attire of government officials, except for the figure in the upper right corner, who wears a helmet and armor. Below Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, there are images of the monk Daoming, a golden lion, and an ox-headed jailer bringing a man in a cangue (wooden restraint) before the karmic mirror, which reflects him butchering an ox. Devotees are shown making offerings in the lower register.