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Mogao Cave 17: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
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Mogao Cave 17: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty (618–907); Ink and color on silk; 58 x 18.5 cm; British Museum, London, United Kingdom
This banner decorated with an image of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva dates from the 9th century. The barefooted Bodhisattva stands on a lotus pedestal. Red lips stand out within the fine lines of the face. A nimbus composed of two concentric rings surrounds the bare head.
Ksirigarbha wears earrings, a thick gold necklace, an armlet, and a patched monastic robe. An inscription identifying the Bodhisattva is written in the cartouche on the left beside the nimbus.
The triangular headpiece is partially damaged and badly faded. The bottom portion has become detached and is kept separately. |
