Kizil Cave 8: Clam Reborn as a Heavenly Being

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This painting is located on the right side of the barrel-vaulted ceiling within the main chamber. According to the legend, a clam was in the water searching for food when it heard the voice of the Buddha teaching the Dharma. It took shelter under some grass to listen to the teaching. At the same time, a herder was also listening to the Buddha’s teachings, and accidentally pierced the clam’s shell with his staff. The clam died and was immediately reborn in heaven.
In this painting, the Buddha is seated on a rectangular throne with legs crossed at the ankles. The right arm is raised in the vitarka (teaching) mudra. The Buddha’s nimbus and aureole are layered with colors, including green, black, blue, and ocher red. The herder, standing to the left of the Buddha, supports his bent body with a staff, beneath which is the clam. The herder wears a green stole and blue lower garment.