Mogao Cave 237: Auspicious Buddha in Khotan

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This auspicious image from the Mid-Tang period (756–846) is located on the right side of the north slope of the ceiling of the back (west) wall niche within the main chamber. The Buddha stands on a lotus pedestal below a canopy. He has a high usnisa, a round face, elongated ears, and a nimbus with a green center and a brown outer ring decorated with cloud patterns. His robust body is clothed in a blue inner garment and a red monastic robe. The hands are held palms-out in front of the chest, with the thumbs and index fingers joined. The face and hands are given a three-dimensional appearance with the wash technique, and the lines of the robe are sketched over a base color, resulting in a finely stylized image. There are inscriptions on both sides of the Buddha.