Mogao Cave 254: Cross-Ankled Bodhisattva

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Northern Wei dynasty

This Bodhisattva, located on the upper left of the south wall, is seated on a throne with the legs loosely crossed at the ankles. The Bodhisattva wears a tall crown, and a stole is wrapped across the shoulders and arms. The full, long face bears a benevolent expression, and the elongated earlobes extend to the shoulders. The figure has broad shoulders, with long hair trailing over them on either side. The bare torso is adorned with a necklace, and two snakes are painted on the chest as if dropping from the shoulders. The left hand rests on the knee, and the raised right hand is now missing. A long lower garment is tied at the waist and falls in regular, light folds over the lower legs. A petal-shaped nimbus and an aureole are visible on the wall behind the figure.