Kumtura Cave 13

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This Kuchean-style central pillar cave is located in the southern section of the north area and was constructed around the 9th century during the Uighur period. The cave faces west and features a main chamber with a barrel-vaulted ceiling and three corridors. The main chamber, which measures 3.5 m in width, 3.3 m in depth, and 3.25 m in height, once housed a statue of Vairocana Buddha. Only a shallow niche with traces of the Buddha’s nimbus and aureole remain. The cave is in poor condition, but the remnants of murals on the ceiling still display a Western Pure Land scene and at least three continuous rows of Buddha triads, comprised of a Buddha and two Bodhisattvas, between which are floating musical instruments and clouds. The Buddhas wear inner and outer monastic robes. The Bodhisattvas, much like those in the Mogao Caves, wear headdresses, dhotis, and flowing stoles. The north side of the ceiling is in much better condition than the south side.