Khara Khoto: Padmapani Avalokitesvara

CHINA, Inner Mongolia, Alxa; Western Xia period

This thangka, thought to have been painted in the first half of the 12th century, is the only depiction of a forward-facing attendant Bodhisattva among the paintings discovered in Khara Khoto. The segment of a circular nimbus decorated with floral patterns visible in the bottom right corner suggests that this may have once been part of a larger image. It appears that some parts of the thangka have been repaired; patches of fine cloth were attached to the original image and then colored.
The Bodhisattva stands in tribhanga posture and wears a three-leaf crown. Large round earrings appear to stretch the ears, and the body is adorned with necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and armlets. A long string ornament encircles the body and extends below the knees. The red palms of the hands contrast with the pale white skin. The left hand of the Bodhisattva holds a long-stemmed white lotus. A scarf outlined with two red lines covers the breasts, and a transparent long skirt hangs down to the ankles.