Mogao Cave 17: Avalokitesvara and Longevity Bodhisattvas

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty to Five Dynasties

This picture was painted between the late 9th and early 10th century. The lower register has been torn away, leaving only the upper bodies of the Bodhisattvas visible. An inscription identifies the figure on the left as Longevity Bodhisattva. The headdress is adorned with a Buddha image, and another Buddha image is held against the chest in the left hand. A necklace, string ornament, and stoles cover the upper body. Colored rings and triangular patterns accentuate the nimbus. A floral canopy hangs in the upper register. Avalokitesvara, portrayed on the right, also wears ornaments, stoles, and a headdress. The left hand holds a willow branch; a vase containing a lotus flower is held in the right hand. The nimbus is decorated with swirling colors.