Kumtura Cave 16: Life of the Buddha - Parinirvana

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

Originally located above the doorway on the front (west) wall of the main chamber, this painting is the only Chinese-style depiction of the Mahaparinirvana Sutra within the Kumtura Caves. The arrangement of disciples and heavenly beings is the traditional layout of a Gandharan relief carving. In the mural, the Buddha lies on his right side beneath a sala tree, upon on a seven jewel bed with the head resting on a decorated pillow. The Buddha is barefoot and wears a red monastic robe and a green inner robe. Over 30 disciples, lay devotees, and heavenly beings in mourning are illustrated behind the Buddha, while apsaras fly above the assembly. The composition and layout of this painting is similar to the illustration of the Mahaparinirvana Sutra in Mogao Cave 158, as well as murals found in the Bezeklik Caves.