Mogao Cave 17: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties to Northern Song dynasty

In both of these paintings from Mogao Cave 17, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva carries a banner and wears a crown topped with a Buddha image. The two figures stand in mirrored postures on twin lotus pedestals. Although their appearances are quite similar, there are differences in the facial features, the patterning on the nimbuses, and the coloring of the clothing. One of the Bodhisattvas holds a long-handled incense burner, while the other forms a mudra.
In the bottom register of each picture, a blank cartouche is flanked by male and female donors making offerings. The design of the hats worn by the male figures dates the paintings to the mid-10th century.