Mogao Cave 17: Eleven-Headed, Six-Armed Avalokitesvara

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

In this 10th century painting from Mogao Cave 17, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva stands on two lotus pedestals beneath a canopy. A nimbus composed of colored rings surrounds the eleven heads. The central face has arched eyebrows and narrowed eyes. Uniquely, the two heads beside the central face are partially turned towards the viewer, whereas in most other paintings of Eleven-Headed Avalokitesvara they are depicted in profile. The third eye in the middle of the forehead of the central face and the high topknot above the upper row of heads are also unique to this painting. The body of the Bodhisattva is covered with golden ornaments, flowing stoles, and a dhoti. Two raised hands support a moon disc and a sun disc, two hands hold lotuses in front of the chest, and two lowered hands carry vases.