Mogao Cave 17: Samantabhadra Bodhisattva

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

The Bodhisattva is identified by an inscription on the right and depicted standing in tribhanga posture on a lotus pedestal rather than riding the traditional white elephant. Samantabhadra has blue hair partly tied in a tall topknot and wears a headdress adorned with jewels, strings of white beads, and two small flowers. Heavy golden earrings dangle from both ears. The Bodhisattva’s head is tilted to one side, the eyes are partially closed, and the lips display a hint of a smile. A blue stole is draped diagonally across the body and another long stole gently twines about the arms and curls to the ground. The Bodhisattva is resplendently adorned with a necklace, armlets, bracelets, and anklets. A golden beaded ornament composed of circular and leaf-shaped beads hangs from the neck to the front of the chest and splits into two strands that hang over the arms. A belt decorated with round jewels encircles the waist. The left hand gently grasps a section of the ornament, and the right hand holds a lotus. The brush strokes of the painting are delicate and precise. The skin of the Bodhisattva is shaded to convey depth, and the hands and feet are finely detailed.