Avalokiteshvara

Period:
Five Dynasties (907–960)
Date:
910
Culture:
China
Medium:
Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk
Dimensions:
Image: 33 15/16 x 21 5/16 in. (86.2 x 54.1 cm) Overall with mounting: 41 1/8 x 27 5/8 in. (104.5 x 70.1 cm)
Classification:
Paintings
Credit Line:
On loan from the British Museum
  • Description

    The bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara is here depicted as the Savior from Perils. The scenes along the sides of the scroll show perils as described in the Lotus Sutra. The Good and Bad Boys stand below the lotus throne holding scrolls. The larger figures in the bottom register represent the deceased parents of the donor who, a soldier by profession, kneels to the right of his father in smaller size.

  • Provenance

    Cave 17, Dunhuang, Gansu province

60051981

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