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Khara Khoto: Padmapani Avalokitesvara
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Khara Khoto: Padmapani Avalokitesvara
CHINA, Inner Mongolia, Alxa; Western Xia period (1032–1227); Color on cloth; 76.5 x 25 cm; State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia
This thangka, thought to have been painted in the first half of the 12th century, is the only depiction of a forward-facing attendant Bodhisattva among the paintings discovered in Khara Khoto. The segment of a circular nimbus decorated with floral patterns visible in the bottom right corner suggests that this may have once been part of a larger image. It appears that some parts of the thangka have been repaired; patches of fine cloth were attached to the original image and then colored.
The Bodhisattva stands in tribhanga posture and wears a three-leaf crown. Large round earrings appear to stretch the ears, and the body is adorned with necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and armlets. A long string ornament encircles the body and extends below the knees. The red palms of the hands contrast with the pale white skin. The left hand of the Bodhisattva holds a long-stemmed white lotus. A scarf outlined with two red lines covers the breasts, and a transparent long skirt hangs down to the ankles. |
