Bezeklik Cave 16: Uighur Donors

CHINA, Xinjiang, Turpan

This mural is located to the left of the doorway, on the front (east) wall in the main chamber. The painting comprises the lower two rows of the three rows of male Uighur donors.
All of the figures hold flowers, and between each is a rectangular cartouche inscribed with their names in Uighur script. In the upper row, there are eight figures with similar facial features and hairstyles. They wear pointed headdresses, have long waist-length plaits, and are dressed in long robes. These figures are thought to be from the same family. The eight donors in the lower row wear clothing similar to the ones in the upper row; however, they wear three-pronged or fan-shaped hats and their facial features appear to be more varied.
Overall, this mural is painted with flat, straight lines, causing it to appear somewhat toneless in contrast to the smooth, bold lines of linear painting from the previous period.