Vajrapani,
ink and colours on silk
From Cave 17, Mogao, near Dunhuang, Gansu
province, China
Tang dynasty, late 9th century
AD
Chinese calligraphic painting style in
Dunhuang
This painting is an excellent example of the
calligraphic painting style that dominated the art of Dunhuang
during the Tang dynasty (AD 618-906). The figure of the
bodhisattva,
grasping a thunderbolt, or
vajra in his left hand,
bursts into the narrow picture frame, his speed indicated by the
cloud rising above his head. His clenched fist, bulging muscles and
exaggerated facial features make clear his fearsome nature as a
guardian of the Buddha's
law.
The black brushstrokes
vary in thickness and end in sudden hooks, and the long, thick hair
that falls over the shoulders is contrasted with the thin lines of
the beard. The figure's clothing and scarves also fly in
all directions.
This style
for potraying guardians originated in Central China and had a
far-reaching influence, also appearing in
Japan.
R. Whitfield, Art of Central Asia: The Ste-2, vol. 1 (Tokyo, Kodansha International Ltd., 1982-85)
R. Whitfield and A. Farrer, Caves of the thousand Buddhas: (London, The British Museum Press, 1990)