Kizil Cave 114: Jataka of the Woodcutter and the Bear

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This image is painted on the right side of the barrel-vaulted ceiling in the main chamber. The story is derived from the Mulasarvastivada Vinaya-Vastu. It tells of a woodcutter who was harvesting wood in a forest when he was suddenly beset upon by a vicious storm. A kind bear came along, and witnessing his plight, saved the woodcutter. Instead of repaying the kindness of the bear, however, the woodcutter notified a hunter of the bear’s whereabouts. The hunter killed the bear and as the two men were about to feast on the meat, the woodcutter’s hands fell from his arms. When the king learned of what had happened, he built a stupa at the place of the bear’s murder in order to honor its kindness. The image illustrates the scene in which the woodcutter betrays the bear’s kindness. The bear is seen on the left, and to the right the woodcutter gestures toward it as the hunter draws a bow.