Kizil Cave 100

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

Situated in the inner valley, this central pillar cave was constructed in the 7th century. The cave consists of an antechamber, a main chamber, and corridors. The antechamber is badly damaged. The main chamber measures 4.3 m wide and 4.8 m deep, and connects to the rear corridor through the side corridors on the back wall, forming a central pillar. Both the main chamber and rear corridor have barrel-vaulted ceilings.
One large and two small empty niches are found on the back wall of the main chamber. An image of Brahma is depicted to the top right of the central niche, and on the top left is three-eyed Sakra. A gandharva with five hair knots and a heavenly being are depicted beneath them. Three rows of five images on each side wall depict scenes from the Life of the Buddha and karma stories. Each scene displays a Buddha surrounded by heavenly beings, disciples, and lay people. Images of a standing Buddha with attendant Bodhisattvas can be seen on either side of the entrance on the front wall. Maitreya Bodhisattva Teaching the Dharma is above the entrance, with seven rows of heavenly musicians below him.
The central ridge of the vaulted ceiling in the main chamber displays images of Candra, Vayu, a standing Buddha, a garuda, and Surya. The slopes of the ceiling display diamond-shaped illustrations of theJatakas and karma stories. Some identifiable stories include the King Candraprabha Jataka, the Prince Mahasattva Jataka, the Jataka of Sacrifice for a Gatha by Jumping into a Fire Pit, the Nigrodharaja Jataka, the Jataka of Dove’s Self Sacrifice, the Jataka of the Bodhisattva Staying Still for Birds, and Nagini Offering a Seat. Ten pairs of heavenly musicians decorate below the slopes on each side. The musicians wear crowns, necklaces, and floral garlands; they all face the main statue on the back wall.
Standing Buddhas, offering figures, and heavenly beings are portrayed on the walls of the corridors, while the ceilings display diamond-shaped images. Most of the murals in the corridors have fallen away, and the walls have darkened from smoke.