Mogao Cave 17: Avalokitesvara Holding a Willow Branch

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Northern Song dynasty

This painting, discovered in Mogao Cave 17, dates from the second half of the 10th century. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva wears a three-leaf crown with a Buddha image in the center. The nimbus is filled with curved, colorful lines. A long beaded ornament hangs from a large ruby necklace in the center of the chest. The arms and shoulders are encircled by a black and yellow stole. The layered dhoti is secured with a white sash. A willow branch is held in the right hand while the lowered left hand holds the neck of a vase. Above the left shoulder of the Bodhisattva, a young boy descends from the sky on clouds.