Kumtura Valley Entrance Cave 20: Ceiling - Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
Kumtura Valley Entrance Cave 20: Ceiling - Figure Making an Offering (detail)
Kumtura Valley Entrance Cave 20: Ceiling
CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu
There are eleven lines dividing the domed ceiling of the main chamber, each of which radiates outward from a large circular lotus in the center. The lotus is 82 cm in diameter and features tube-shaped designs on the perimeter and a green and red ocher core. The eleven segments feature alternating depictions of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, each on green and red ocher backgrounds, respectively.
Each Buddha and Bodhisattva stands in a graceful posture on a lotus pedestal and forms a mudra or gestures with both hands. The Buddhas face clockwise, while the Bodhisattvas face counter-clockwise. Each has two small figures making offerings beneath their feet. With palms joined in reverence, they look up at the Buddha or Bodhisattva.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves R-L, page 641.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Johnson, Peter and Mankuang and Huntington, Susan and Edson, Gary and Neather, Robert,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves R-L},
pages = 641,
title = {{Kumtura Valley Entrance Cave 20: Ceiling}},
volume = 6,
year = {2016}}