Mogao Cave 17: Bodhisattva Making an Offering

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

The Bodhisattva has arched eyebrows, narrowed eyes, red lips, and long black hair that hangs down past the shoulders. Wearing earrings, ornaments, and a headdress decorated with hanging tassels and ribbons, the Bodhisattva stands facing slightly to the left on a lotus pedestal. Long stoles are draped over the arms and hang down past the feet. The left hand holds up a golden plate covered with offerings, and the right hand forms a mudra in front of the chest. A canopy composed of hanging banners and ornaments is painted at the top of the picture. There are empty cartouches beside the Bodhisattva’s head. Typical of Tang dynasty (618–907) paintings, the wash technique is used to accentuate the facial features, the robe, and the nimbus of the central figure.