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Mogao Cave 17: Avalokitesvara Holding a Willow Branch
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Mogao Cave 17: Avalokitesvara Holding a Willow Branch
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties to Northern Song dynasty (907–1127); Ink and color on linen; 191 x 71 cm; Guimet Museum of Asian Art, Paris, France
Found in Mogao Cave 17, this 10th century painting depicts Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva standing beneath a canopy. The Bodhisattva wears a headdress adorned with a Buddha image fronting the topknot of black hair that falls down over the shoulders. A colorful nimbus encircles the head. The body is covered with a green shawl, a bright yellow and orange dhoti, jewelry, and beaded ornaments. A stole is draped over the arms. The left hand holds up a delicately painted willow branch, and the right hand carries a red vase. |
