Illustrated Manuscript of the Karandavyuha Sutra

INDIA

These are two pages from an East Indian Sanskrit manuscript of the Karandavyuha Sutra that was written on palm leaves between the 11th and 12th centuries. The central illustrations depict the various manifestations of Avalokitesvara. Stupas housing Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, or Dharma protectors are painted over the cordage holes on the sides of the pages.
In the central image on the upper page, Avalokitesvara is shown seated in a relaxed position on a throne, forming a mudra in front of the chest with both hands. The black Sarvanivarana Viskambhin sits in full lotus position on the right beside Avalokitesvara. On the lower page, Avalokitesvara, wearing a red stole and dhoti, is shown standing in tribhanga posture with the left hand raised and the right hand lowered. Two creatures stand in the lower left corner and look up at the Bodhisattva with joined palms.