Mogao Cave 17: Nine-Headed, Six-Armed Avalokitesvara and the Recorders of Good and Evil

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties to Northern Song dynasty

Although this colorful 10th century artwork was painted on paper, the yellow flowers on the narrow orange border imitate the framing of a silk painting. The top and bottom borders exhibit a pattern of circular blue flowers. The painting depicts Avalokitesvara with nine heads and six arms, flanked by the Recorders of Good and Evil. Inscriptions state that the painting was produced to pay homage to these three figures.
The Bodhisattva stands on a lotus pedestal rising from a green pond. The two hands at chest level display mudras while grasping a willow branch and a red lotus flower. The two upper hands support sun and moon discs, and the two lowered hands carry a red lotus flower and a vase. A green stole floats around the Bodhisattva’s arms. The canopy at the top of the picture is adorned with five flaming jewels, hanging fringes, and strings of beads. The Recorders of Good and Evil, standing beside the lotus pedestal, are dressed identically, and hold scrolls in their hands. Eight tall bamboo plants with green stems and blue leaves fill the background.