Mogao Cave 17: Amoghapasa Avalokitesvara

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Later Zhou dynasty

The inscription in the upper left corner of this painting identifies the central figure as Amoghapasa Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, although this representation does not depict the infallible noose that is often held by the Bodhisattva. The painting style and the script used for the inscription indicate that the fabric painting was made in 956 during the Later Zhou dynasty.
Amoghapasa Avalokitesvara stands on a lotus throne wearing a crown decorated with a Buddha image. A black deerskin with a white pattern hangs slanting from the left shoulder. The eight hands each hold a Dharma instrument or form a mudra. The two hands in front of the chest gently grasp lotus stems. Vajras are held in each of the raised hands. One of the hands positioned in the middle holds a willow branch and the other forms a mudra. The two hands extended downward carry a vase and prayer beads.
There are three figures making offerings on each side of the inscription in the bottom register. On the left there is a monk, a male donor, and a child. On the right there is a male donor, a female donor, and a young girl.