painting; 繪畫(Chinese) BM-1919-0101-0.40

Period:Tang dynasty Production date:10th century
Materials:paper, 紙 (Chinese),
Technique:painted
Subjects:bodhisattva devil/demon deity vajra 菩薩 (Chinese) 魔鬼/惡魔 (Chinese) 神 (Chinese) 金剛 (Chinese)
Dimensions:Height: 80.70 centimetres Width: 30.80 centimetres

Description:
Painting of four-armed, three-headed deity identifiable as Ucchusma (one of the five “bright kings”), stepping on lotuses. He is surrounded by flames and carries a vajra. In his crown is a figure of Amitābha Buddha. A swine-headed demon is at the bottom. Ink and colour on paper.
IMG


Comments:Zwalf 1985Ucchusma, ‘Fiery-headed ‘Vajra’’, a Bodhisattva known in China as ‘The Unclean’ because he subdues all unclean influences, appears in several Dunhuang paintings as part of a larger assembly centering on the Thousand-armed, Thousand-eyed Avalokiteśvara.