
This High Tang period (712–756) image is painted on the lower right side of the back (west) wall in the main chamber of Cave 205. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva gazes down upon a woman making offerings. The Bodhisattva wears a necklace, bracelets, and a stole that trails over both arms. The right hand reaches down and passes a string of prayer beads to the woman, symbolizing guidance. The woman looks up as she receives the ornament from the Bodhisattva. An incense burner is held in her left hand. A small attendant stands behind the woman. Much of the image has darkened but the outlines of the figures remain clear.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves M-Mo, page 1015.