Mogao Cave 334: Eleven-Headed Avalokitesvara and Attendants

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This mural is located to the left of the entrance on the front (east) wall. On a blue background, the Eleven-Headed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is seated in full lotus position on a lotus throne and is encircled by an oval nimbus and a mandorla. The mandorla is decorated with twining foliage and honeysuckle patterns. The eleven heads of the Bodhisattva are round with long eyebrows. The cheeks are plump, and the eyes and corners of the mouths are shaded to create dimension. On the main head is a crown with a small Buddha image in its center. The Bodhisattva has broad shoulders and a narrow waist, and wears necklaces, bracelets, and armlets. A long red robe with a floral pattern is draped across one shoulder, and a belt is tied at the waist. The right hand is placed in front of the chest in the vitarka (teaching) mudra, while the left hand is placed before the knee in the varada (wish-granting) mudra.
The attendant Bodhisattvas both kneel on one knee and face Avalokitesvara in half profile. They are light-skinned and wear garland crowns with high topknots. Ornaments adorn their chests, and they are clothed in red lower garments with floral patterns and green stoles draped over their upper bodies. The Bodhisattva on the left has a slightly protruding abdomen and the left hand supports a plate while the right is lowered naturally and holds flower buds. The Bodhisattva on the right has palms joined in anjali (reverence) mudra. Flowers bloom on long stalks between the Bodhisattvas, and the mural is painted in luxuriant colors. The 11 heads of Avalokitesvara symbolize the completion of the ten levels of cultivation and reaching the state of enlightenment.