Kizil Cave 14: Jataka of the Woodcutter and the Bear

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This painting is located on the left side of the barrel-vaulted ceiling of the main chamber. According to the Mulasarvastivada Vinaya-Vastu, a woodcutter went into the remote mountains to harvest timber. There, he encountered a strong storm and was saved by a bear. However, instead of repaying this kindness, the woodcutter alerted a hunter to kill the bear. Afterwards, as they greedily divided the meat, the woodcutter’s two arms separated from his body and fell to the ground. When the king heard of the incidence, he built a stupa to commemorate the bear at the location where it was killed.
The hunter, wearing a blue lower garment, is depicted on the right side of the painting. His bow and arrow are aimed at the bear, which is lying inside a hole to the left. A dislodged arm is found on the ground, which represents the woodcutter’s eventual loss.