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Mogao Caves: Eight-Armed Avalokitesvara
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Mogao Caves: Eight-Armed Avalokitesvara
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty (618–907); Wood;H: 85.5 cm; Guimet Museum of Asian Art, Paris, France
This Bodhisattva was discovered in the Mogao Caves. The hair is braided and kept in place by a fillet, while two plaits fall to the shoulders. A long beaded ornament meets in a medallion at the waist and then divides again over the lower garment. The lower garment is of thin material, allowing the shape of the legs to show through. Six of the damaged arms radiate about the body, while the right arm of the remaining pair is bent across the body and the left is raised. Examination reveals that the hands were not carved with the arms but were attached later. |
