Mogao Cave 275: Bodhisattva in Contemplation

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Northern Liang Kingdom

This figure is housed within the niche on the right side of the north wall. The niche is framed by two dragon flower trees carved in relief; their splendid canopies form the arched lintel and provide shelter for the Bodhisattva below. The Bodhisattva sits on a throne, resting the right foot on the left knee. The figure has long hair that falls over the shoulders. A round nimbus is carved behind the head. Black facial hair is painted on the gentle face, including crescent-shaped eyebrows, a small beard, and a mustache. A thick necklace and long ornaments adorn the chest, a shawl is draped over the shoulders, and a long, close-fitting garment is worn on the lower body. The right forearm is missing, but the elbow still touches the knee in the classic contemplative pose, and the right hand would likely have been raised to the cheek. The left hand rests upon the right foot.