Kumtura Valley Entrance Cave 20: Seated Buddha
Clay
Kumtura Valley Entrance Cave 20: Seated Buddha
CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu
This statue is located within the niche on the right side of the doorway on the front (south) wall. It is the only complete statue of a Buddha remaining at the Kumtura Caves.
The Buddha is seated in full lotus position with hands forming the dhyana (meditation) mudra. He wears a monastic robe with realistic texturing, similar in appearance to early statues at the Yungang Grottoes. Overall, the statue is characteristic of the Kuchean style, yet it shows traces of influence from Gandhara. The walls within the niche are covered with murals depicting the Defeat of Mara. The north wall portrays Mara’s army approaching the Buddha, while the south wall depicts Mara’s three daughters attempting to seduce the Buddha.
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: Seated Buddha}},
volume = 6,
year = {2016}}