Kumtura Cave 79: Illustration of the Hells

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This illustration of the hells is located on the lower section of the north wall within the main chamber. The horizontal layout is composed of two separate scenes of the hell realm, which were repainted during the Uighur period (9th century–1209). In this scene, people face judgment in hell. The Ghost King is seated with legs crossed at the ankles on a square throne and has a glowing nimbus, round eyes, wild hair, and blue skin. He has three heads and four arms, two of which are raised, while the other two hold a baton before his bare chest. A ghost with green skin kneels before the Ghost King with a rope in his left hand. Five people in Uighur garments kneel in two rows behind him. Their hands are tied behind their backs and behind them is a second ghost with the head of a goat. He is clothed in knee-length trousers and clenches a person by his hair while thrusting him towards the furious flames of hell.