Mogao Cave 17: Candragarbha Bodhisattva

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Northern Song dynasty

This 10th century painting was found in Mogao Cave 17. An inscription within a cartouche on the right identifies the central figure as Candragarbha Bodhisattva. Standing beneath a canopy, Candragarbha supports a transparent bowl containing a flaming lotus with the raised right hand. A vase is held in the lowered left hand. The Bodhisattva has long black hair that hangs down to the waist. The high topknot is encircled by a headdress decorated with white ribbons. A colorful nimbus surrounds the head. Stoles are draped over the arms and curve into circles beside the legs. A necklace, bracelets, and string ornaments adorn the body. The canopy above the nimbus is decorated with flaming jewels, hanging tassels, and banners. The skin of the Bodhisattva is colored with a red wash.