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Mogao Cave 17: Samantabhadra Bodhisattva
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Mogao Cave 17: Samantabhadra Bodhisattva
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty (618–907); Ink and color on linen; 183 x 56 cm; State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia
This Late Tang period (846-907) painting on linen is not fully intact; parts of it have disintegrated and other parts appear to have been repaired. The yellow rectangular cartouche in the top right corner identifies the central figure as Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. Standing in tribhanga posture on an inverted lotus throne beneath a canopy, the Bodhisattva has a nimbus outlined in yellow and wears a crown, a red dhoti, and a golden lower garment. The body is adorned with necklaces, beaded ornaments, armlets, and bracelets. A stole is wrapped around the arms and hangs down to the ground. The left hand holds a vase while the right hand supports a glass bowl filled with flowers. Below the Bodhisattva, there are faded images of small figures making offerings. |
