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Mogao Cave 17: Vaisravana
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Mogao Cave 17: Vaisravana
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Later Jin dynasty (936–946), dated 947; Commissioned by Cao Yuanzhong; Print on paper; 40 x 26.5 cm; British Museum, London, United Kingdom
According to the cartouche in the upper left corner, this print, discovered in Mogao Cave 17, is a depiction of Vaisravana, Heavenly King of the North. He wears a headdress, armor, and a billowing stole. A sword hangs from his belt. The left hand supports a stupa and the right hand holds a halberd. Vaisravana is flanked by attendants and his feet are supported by Prthivi, the Earth Goddess. On the upper right, a yaksa holds up a child, representing the Khotanese legend of a childless monarch who prayed to Vaisravana for help and received a son. The inscription in the lower register praises Vaisravana, who is said to bestow blessings upon those who pray to him. The print was commissioned by Cao Yuanzhong, the provincial governor of Dunhuang. |
