Mogao Cave 17: Avalokitesvara Holding a Willow Branch

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Northern Song dynasty

Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva stands with straight legs on two lotus pedestals. The Bodhisattva wears a headdress with a Buddha image in the center as well as a necklace, armlets, bracelets, and a beaded ornament. Spots of color are painted on the face, and there is an urna between the eyebrows. The eyes gaze fixedly downward. A red stole is draped over the left shoulder, and a green stole flutters around the arms. The right hand holds a willow branch and the left holds a vase. The outer ring of the nimbus is decorated with curious patterns painted against a black background. A canopy is partially visible at the top of the picture. There is a blank cartouche in the upper right corner. Flowers fall in the background.