Khara Khoto: Tejaprabha Buddha

CHINA, Inner Mongolia, Alxa; Western Xia period

This painting depicts Tejaprabha Buddha, the Nine Luminaries, and two warriors. Tejaprabha Buddha holds a Dharma wheel and is seated in full lotus position on a lotus throne. The Buddha has red skin, and is dressed in a red and blue monastic robe with gold trim. A dark nimbus and aureole are painted behind Tejaprabha. The Nine Luminaries, dressed in Chinese clothing and each wearing a unique headdress, stand below the Buddha. In the center at the bottom of the image is the bearded Earth Luminary, who wears a headdress decorated with an ox-head and holds a stick under his arm. He is flanked by two warriors, each armed with a long sword. The Sun and Moon Luminaries are positioned above the warriors. They resemble an emperor and empress respectively and each holds a scepter. The Ketu Luminary, who grasps a calligraphy brush, stands above and to the right of the Sun Luminary. Venus Luminary is on the left above Moon Luminary and holds a pipa. Moving upwards, the next two figures are the bearded Rahu Luminary, who holds a scepter, and the Wood Luminary. The Water Luminary and the fierce, red-faced Fire Luminary stand beside the Buddha. Beside and above the Buddha, there are small circular images and figures representing the Twenty-Eight Mansions. The artwork combines Chinese painting techniques with a Tibetan color scheme and layout.