Kizil Cave 84: Listening to the Dharma

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

Located on the back wall of the main chamber, this painting occupies the upper left corner of a larger illustration of the Buddha Teaching the Dharma. The scene displays various figures as they listen to the teaching. Five figures, on the right, wear large earrings and different kinds of ornaments on their bodies. They have stoles draped over their shoulders and look at one another as if conversing. The figure in the upper right has curled hair, while the figure below has a large topknot tied with a beaded string. Three Brahmins are depicted in the bottom left; one kneels on the ground, the second holds an alms bowl, and the third is seated with legs loosely crossed on a padded seat. The expressions of the figures are vivid and the composition is compact with elegant tones.