Mogao Cave 17: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties

The headpiece, body, and bottom section of this banner from Mogao Cave 17 have all been well preserved. Simple patterns separate the three sections. A Buddha wearing a red monastic robe is shown sitting on a lotus throne within the triangular center of the headpiece. On the body, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, with a high topknot behind a crown, stands upon a lotus throne. The Bodhisattva is adorned with a necklace and ornaments. A stole encircles both arms, and the lower body is covered by a red dhoti secured with a white sash. The inscription within a cartouche next to the nimbus refers to Abhetri, one of the Thirty-Three Manifestations of Avalokitesvara.