Mogao Cave 17: Avalokitesvara with the Recorders of Good and Evil

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Northern Song dynasty

This well-preserved silk painting from Mogao Cave 17 was made during the late 10th century. The outer edges are slightly lighter in color, indicating it may have been mounted on a wall at one time.
Avalokitesvara sits in lotus position on a lotus throne. The Bodhisattva is adorned with a golden headdress, a necklace, and ornaments. A stole hovers around the arms and a red dhoti covers the lower body. The nimbus and the aureole are composed of colorful rings outlined with flame patterns. Both are contained within a bright white mandorla. A floral canopy covers the top of the picture. Below the Bodhisattva, a gold incense burner and vases rest on an altar. The Recorders of Good and Evil, both depicted with two topknots and distinctive layered robes, flank the altar. The Recorder of Good stands on the right holding a scroll and a pen, while the Recorder of Evil stands on the left carrying a large scroll with both hands.
There is an empty yellow and green cartouche in the middle of the lower register. A kneeling monk holding an incense burner is painted to the right of the cartouche. On the left are two male figures wearing black robes and holding offerings.