 |
Mogao Cave 148: Bodhisattva and Fire Deity
|
| |
 |
Mogao Cave 148: Bodhisattva and Fire Deity
|
| |
 |
Mogao Cave 148: Bodhisattva and Fire Deity
|
| |
|
Mogao Cave 148: Bodhisattva and Fire Deity
|
| |
|
Mogao Cave 148: Bodhisattva and Fire Deity
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty (618–907)
This is part of a High Tang (712–756) mural on the west slope of the niche ceiling in the south wall of the main chamber. The Fire Deity has four arms, a bare head, a long beard, and a pointed nose. He is elderly and emaciated, wearing nothing but some rags tied around his waist. Three of the hands hold a vase, a string of beads, and a crooked staff, and the fourth twists the hair of the beard. Red flames surround the figure. The inscription within the cartouche on the left identifies him as the Fire Deity. Above the Fire Deity is a Bodhisattva with a round face and a gentle countenance. The Bodhisattva wears a crown, necklace, armlets, and bracelets, and is surrounded by a nimbus and an aureole. |
