Kizilgaha Cave 14: Donors

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

Located on the inner wall of the right corridor, this mural is one of the finest among the royal donor images found within the Kizilgaha Caves. The mural consists of a row of four donor figures. The most prominent figure is believed to be the king on the right, who has a nimbus behind his head. He wears a garment decorated with green diamond shapes underneath a gown embroidered with a beaded pattern. In addition to a long sword behind him, there is a pouch and a dagger suspended from the belt at his waist. Holding a stole in his right hand, the king offers a lamp in his left hand. The third figure, believed to be the queen, wears a flared jacket patterned in beaded strings and adorned with lapels. She holds a lamp in her left hand, and has a slender, elegant figure. At the feet of the first two figures are earth deities who support them.