Mogao Cave 17: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Northern Song dynasty

Avalokitesvara, portrayed with raised eyebrows and large ears, sits on a lotus throne in the center of the painting. Wearing golden ornaments and a crown decorated with a Buddha image, the Bodhisattva holds the right hand up to form a mudra and carries a vase in the lowered left hand. A green stole hovers around the arms and body. In the upper register, two children ride on clouds beside a canopy. Avalokitesvara is flanked by six kneeling Bodhisattvas. Two of the Bodhisattvas hold trays of offerings and the four others join their palms in reverence. An altar below the lotus throne bears an inscription that pays homage to Avalokitesvara. In the lower register, six standing figures join their palms or make offerings. According to the inscription between the figures, the painting was sponsored by captain Zhang Geqiao in 972.