Mogao Cave 17: Amoghapasa Avalokitesvara

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Northern Song dynasty

Amoghapasa Avalokitesvara sits on a lotus throne, wearing a crown decorated with a Buddha image. The body is adorned with jewelry and beaded ornaments. Two of the hands form the vitarka (teaching) mudra and hold lotus stems in front of the chest. The other six hands display mudras or hold objects including a flaming wish-fulfilling jewel and a vase. Both the nimbus and the patterned aureole are highlighted with a brilliant white color. A canopy decorated with jewels, fringes, and flowers hangs above Amoghapasa. Below the lotus throne, there is an altar topped with vases and an incense burner. Heavenly Kings, disciples, and Bodhisattvas are depicted along the sides of the painting. The disciples wear monastic robes and join their palms. The Bodhisattvas have patterned nimbuses and aureoles, sit in lotus position, and form mudras or hold up offerings. Two male and two female devotees occupy the lower register. Judging from their clothing and the stylized nimbus and aureole of Amoghapasa, the picture was likely painted during the second half of the 10th century.