Mogao Cave 17: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties to Northern Song dynasty

Avalokitesvara wears a patterned dhoti, flowing stoles, and a tall headdress. The Bodhisattva stands on lotus pedestals, holding a vase in the lowered left hand and a willow branch in the raised right hand. A nimbus composed of colorful rings surrounds the head. Lively scenes of people being rescued from the eight dangers are painted around the central figure. According to the “Universal Gateway Chapter” of the Lotus Sutra, a devotee will be rescued from these dangers if they recite the name of Avalokitesvara. Numerous depictions of Avalokitesvara as a savior of those in danger have been found in the Mogao Caves and various caves in India, attesting to the Bodhisattva’s role as a spiritual protector for travelers and merchants on the ancient Silk Road.