Kumtura Cave 75

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

Cave 75 was built in the late 9th century during the Uighur period. It is a small north-facing cave situated in the north area, and has a barrel-vaulted ceiling. The cave was likely sponsored by multiple donors, who are depicted in 17 portraits at the bottom of the east wall, and 14 at the bottom of the west wall. An inscription stating the Uighur Gulu family as donors is written in the upper right corner of the portraits on the east wall, and a Chinese inscription mentioning Daoxiu as the donor is inscribed in the upper right corner of the portraits on the west wall. While the cave was constructed during the Uighur period, the murals mostly reflect the Chinese style.
A number of Buddhas painted on the cave ceiling are now almost indiscernible. A monk, painted at the center of the back (south) wall, is seated in full lotus position wearing a monastic robe and holding a jar in both hands. The Five Realms of Existence are depicted surrounding the monk, with dividing lines issuing forth from the jar in his hands. The Five Realms, namely the heavenly realm, human realm, animal realm, hungry ghost realm, and the hell realm, are depicted on the side walls. The realms are painted within the wheel of rebirth on the east wall, a common theme in Kuchean art. Surrounding the wheel are three rows of seated monks and Buddhas.