Mogao Cave 14: Amoghapasa Avalokitesvara

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This illustration from the Late Tang period (846–907) is found on the south wall of the main chamber. Amoghapasa Avalokitesvara is adorned with a headdress containing a Buddha image and wears numerous ornaments. A deerskin is draped over the left shoulder; this became one of the identifying attributes of Amoghapasa after it was mentioned in the Commentary on the Vajrayana Teachings written by Master Kukai during the Tang dynasty (618–907). The Bodhisattva has eight arms, six of which hold objects, including a monk’s staff, halberd, vase, willow branch, water vessel, and lotus. The two other hands form mudras in front of the chest. Above the Bodhisattva is a canopy and a small image of a Buddha with two attendant Bodhisattvas. On either side of Amoghapasa Avalokitesvara are figures such as Suryaprabha and Candraprabha Bodhisattvas, two Wisdom Kings, and the Four Heavenly Kings. There is a square lotus pond below the central figure