Mogao Cave 14: Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Avalokitesvara

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

Located on the south wall of the main chamber, this mural dates from the Late Tang period (846–907). Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva appears solemn and wears a crown adorned with a Buddha image. The Bodhisattva has three eyes and is seated in full lotus position on a lotus throne. The figure wears numerous ornaments, a stole which is draped over the upper body, and a long lower garment. Avalokitesvara’s 42 prominent hands either form mudras or hold Dharma instruments. The large round mandorla consists of four rings of smaller hands. Above the Bodhisattva is a canopy flanked by apsaras, and below is a lotus pond. Avalokitesvara is surrounded by other Bodhisattvas, heavenly beings, and their retinues. At the bottom right corner is Hayagriva, a Wisdom King, who sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne, wears a crown topped with a white horse image, and assumes a ferocious expression. His six hands join palms, form mudras, or hold Dharma instruments.