Mogao Cave 17: Mountain Censer Offering

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This work from the Late Tang period (846–907) is made up of three pieces of cloth stitched together. Most of the colors have faded. The central figure squats on a red lotus pedestal. Staring straight ahead with a resolute expression, he supports a mountain censer, resting it upon his head while holding the handles. He wears a necklace and a red stole hangs diagonally from his left shoulder.
Two Bodhisattvas kneeling on lotus thrones flank the central figure. The Bodhisattva on the left gently grasps a flower between the fingers, while the other holds up a tray of flowers. Their topknots are tied with red bands and their hair trails over their shoulders. Fluttering stoles float around their bodies. There is an empty cartouche next to each nimbus. Five long-stemmed flowers are painted in the upper register.