Mogao Cave 17: Talisman of Ketu and the Northern Star

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties

This talisman from Mogao Cave 17 was painted during the mid-10th century. It has a wide, patterned border, and is separated into two distinct sections. The upper section shows two figures standing on clouds. The female figure on the left, identified as the Deity of the Northern Star by an inscription, stands on a red cloud and holds a pen and paper. The red figure on a green cloud (mostly white due to damage) on the right is identified as a representation of the planet Ketu.
A talismanic formula is inscribed in the lower register. According to the three lines of text on the left side, people who carry this talisman will be spared from the karmic repercussions for a thousand misdeeds, will obtain protection and blessings from all the Buddhas, and will earn the respect of others. The Chinese characters on the right are mostly indecipherable.