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Mogao Cave 17: Bodhisattva Making an Offering
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Mogao Cave 17: Bodhisattva Making an Offering
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty (618–907); Ink and color on silk; 80 x 28 cm; Guimet Museum of Asian Art, Paris, France
The Bodhisattva has arched eyebrows, narrowed eyes, red lips, and long black hair that hangs down past the shoulders. Wearing earrings, ornaments, and a headdress decorated with hanging tassels and ribbons, the Bodhisattva stands facing slightly to the left on a lotus pedestal. Long stoles are draped over the arms and hang down past the feet. The left hand holds up a golden plate covered with offerings, and the right hand forms a mudra in front of the chest. A canopy composed of hanging banners and ornaments is painted at the top of the picture. There are empty cartouches beside the Bodhisattva's head. Typical of Tang dynasty (618-907) paintings, the wash technique is used to accentuate the facial features, the robe, and the nimbus of the central figure. |
