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Mogao Cave 17: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
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Mogao Cave 17: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties (907–960); Ink and color on linen; 156 x 47 cm; State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia
The headpiece, body, and bottom section of this banner from Mogao Cave 17 have all been well preserved. Simple patterns separate the three sections. A Buddha wearing a red monastic robe is shown sitting on a lotus throne within the triangular center of the headpiece. On the body, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, with a high topknot behind a crown, stands upon a lotus throne. The Bodhisattva is adorned with a necklace and ornaments. A stole encircles both arms, and the lower body is covered by a red dhoti secured with a white sash. The inscription within a cartouche next to the nimbus refers to Abhetri, one of the Thirty-Three Manifestations of Avalokitesvara. |
