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Mogao Cave 17: Traveling Monk
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Mogao Cave 17: Traveling Monk
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties to Northern Song dynasty (907–1127); Ink and color on paper; 49.6 x 29.4 cm; Guimet Museum of Asian Art, Paris, France
This is one of several similar 10th century paintings depicting traveling monks that were discovered in Mogao Cave 17. The monk has large eyes, a pointed nose, and a partially opened mouth. He wears a hat tied with a ribbon, spotted garments, and sandals. A whisk is held in the left hand and the right hand holds a short walking stick. The monk carries a sutra case on his back as he strides forward, walking on a trail of clouds that extends back into the upper right corner of the painting. A fierce tiger with an open mouth and protruding tongue stands behind the monk. A Buddha sitting on clouds is partially visible in the upper left corner. |
