Gaochang: Embroidery of Bodhisattva

CHINA, Xinjiang, Turpan; Tang dynasty to Five Dynasties

This embroidery depicts a Bodhisattva with a full round face, small eyes, long eyebrows, thin mustache, and traces of a beard. The top part of the head is missing and only the long hair falling down over the shoulders remains. The upper body, which is mostly uncovered, is draped with a red silk stole and adorned with a heavy necklace that connects to the jeweled belt around the waist. A flowing red dhoti covers the lower body. Both hands are held over the heart as the Bodhisattva sits with ankles crossed.
Various embroidery techniques, including satin stitch and chain stitch, were used to produce this vibrant work of art.