Mogao Cave 17: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This painting was discovered in Mogao Cave 17 and dates from the second half of the 9th century. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva has pale skin, long ears, arched eyebrows, and narrowed eyes. The Bodhisattva wears a headdress and matching ornaments. A white stole encircles both arms. The raised right hand supports a vase. Tendrils of smoke rise from both shoulders, and there is a white nimbus behind the head.
Two child donors stand beside the Bodhisattva. The girl on the right has long black hair and holds up a flower in offering. The boy on the left has two topknots and joins his palms in reverence. The children seem vivacious in contrast to the serious demeanor of Avalokitesvara.