Kizil Cave 161: Life of the Buddha

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

Cave 161, located in the east valley, displays this painting on the left wall of the main chamber. A standing Buddha, depicted in the center of the mural, is dressed in a monastic robe that covers the left shoulder and is encircled by a nimbus and an aureole. On the lower left, a female figure sits with legs crossed at the ankles, listening to the Buddha teach the Dharma. Above them is an apsara playing a panpipe. Two donors holding offerings are on the lower right of the Buddha, while above them an apsara raises both arms. A cow emerges from behind the Buddha’s aureole just below the right apsara. Once dense and lively, much of the composition has worn away, leaving portions indiscernable.