Aay Grotto: Vairocana Buddha

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This image is painted on the right side of the left wall. Vairocana’s robe is covered with illustrations of beings from the six realms of existence. A bell and drum are painted on the left and right shoulder, respectively. A Buddha and four Bodhisattvas can be seen on the chest area of the robe, while below is Mount Sumeru with snakes emerging from its center and the sun and moon beside it. A heavenly being, an asura, and a white elephant are depicted on the left arm, while a heavenly being and a horse are painted on the right arm. On the left leg are two Bodhisattvas, one with palms joined and the other with a tray held in both hands; and on the right leg are two warriors clad in armor.
The cartouche to the left of the Buddha reads, “Vairocana Buddha, commissioned by the pious Buddhist, Kou Tingjun.” This is one of the better-preserved illustrations within the caves of Kuchean, and the only known illustration of Vairocana Buddha paired with a Chinese inscription.