Mogao Cave 332: Avalokitesvara Pure Land

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This image is located above the entrance on the front (east) wall of the main chamber. A lotus pond is depicted with ripples forming on its surface. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is seated on a lotus throne in the center of the pond. The Bodhisattva wears a crown, hands forming the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra, and a stole is draped over the shoulders, extending down to the water below.
There are three Bodhisattvas on each side of Avalokitesvara. They are seated on lotus thrones and each assumes a different posture and expression. The garments of the Bodhisattvas are painted with a wash technique to produce texture and dimension. At the top of the illustration are two large canopies and four Buddhas descending upon clouds. Long-stemmed lotuses emerge from the pond on either side of Avalokitesvara and between the other Bodhisattvas.