Kizil Cave 163: Miser Reborn as a Vicious Snake

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This painting is located on the left side of the barrel-vaulted ceiling of the main chamber. According to the “Chapter on Heavenly Beings Descending to Make Offerings” of the Avadanasataka, there was once a wealthy man who was miserly and greedy. After he passed away, he was reborn as a snake. The Buddha counseled the snake, explaining how due to his greed in a past life, he was reborn in his current form. The Buddha then shined multi-colored beam to enlighten the snake, which was later reborn in the heavenly realm.
The scene of the Buddha counseling the snake is shown in this painting. Portions of the painting are damaged, particularly the Buddha’s body, shown seated on a rectangular throne, encircled by a nimbus and an aureole. The miser, to the lower right, wears a flowing stole over his bare upper body. He raises his head to look up at the Buddha and by his legs is a white snake. This diamond-shaped painting has a light green background and the use of color is simple, yet elegant.