Muktā-Hāra

This thesis focuses on muktā-hāra (necklace) of the Bodhisattvas in the Mogao grottoes from the Northern and Southern periods to early Tang. Located on the Silk Road, the Mogao Grottoes is a key pass of introduction of Buddhism to China, meanwhile Buddhist imagery had experienced exploration, development and booming during this period, further muktā-hāra was frequently used to decorate Bodhisattva. Based on these reasons, this thesis chooses muktā-hāra as its topic, through which it shows the process of"visual translation"of sutras and multi reasons shaping it.This study explores the meaning and origin of muktā-hāra, classifies their patterns, investigates the influences from India and Central Asia, and the local patterns. Therefore, based on historical documents, Buddhist scriptures, remains in caves and archaeological findings, the author comprehensively studies the patterns, materials, and foreign styles, artisans, and trends of the time.