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Mogao Cave 17: Tejaprabha Buddha
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Mogao Cave 17: Tejaprabha Buddha
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty (618–907), dated 897; By Zhang Huaixing; Ink and color on silk; 80.4 x 55.4 cm; British Museum, London, United Kingdom
An inscription in the upper left corner of the painting identifies the central figure as Tejaprabha Buddha (Buddha of the Blazing Lights), a figure often associated with astrology and the five planets. One of the earliest depictions of Tejaprabha and a rare example of a signed and dated work from Mogao Cave 17, it was painted by Zhang Huaixing, an artist who was active in the Dunhuang region during the Late Tang period (846-907).
Tejaprabha Buddha sits on a cart, wearing a red monastic robe and raising the right hand to form a mudra. Lines of colored light radiate from the body of the Buddha. An altar beside the cart is covered with ritual objects. The five figures arranged in a rough half circle around the Buddha represent the five planets. Mars, depicted on the lower right, has red skin, four arms, and wide eyes. Venus is portrayed as a lady in a white robe playing the pipa. The brown-skinned brahmin standing beside an ox is Saturn. Jupiter is depicted as an official in blue robes, and Mercury is a lady dressed in black with a monkey atop her tall headdress. All of the figures stand upon colorful clouds. |
