Mogao Cave 17: Bodhisattva as a Guide
Ink and color on paper
Mogao Cave 17: Bodhisattva as a Guide
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties
This painting depicting a Bodhisattva guiding a deceased man to the Pure Land was painted in the second half of the 10th century.
The Bodhisattva has a large head with simply painted facial features. Ornaments cover the chest. The dhoti is secured with a sash that hangs down between the feet. A long, thin banner pole is held in the right hand. The banner, red ribbons attached to the headdress, and the stole that encircles the body all appear to float in the wind. The Bodhisattva stands upon two lotus pedestals, looking down at a deceased man wearing black imperial robes.
Unlike many other paintings of the Bodhisattva guiding a deceased being, the two figures do not walk on clouds. Vigorously painted lines give a great sense of energy to both the clothing and the banner.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Painting I-O, page 570.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Youlu and Wilson, Graham and Manho and Mankuang and Huntington, Susan,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Painting I-O},
pages = 570,
title = {{Mogao Cave 17: Bodhisattva as a Guide}},
volume = 15,
year = {2016}}