Kizil Cave 175: Vajradhara

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This illustration is located on the right side of the niche ceiling on the back wall of the main chamber. In the image, Vajradhara wears a headdress made from the skin of a tiger and glares downward as if fiercely viewing an opponent. He is clad in a blue warrior’s robe, which wraps around the neck and arms, and descends down his body. A pendant is fastened to his chest by means of four studded straps, and a white apron drapes around his waist. He wears greaves on his lower legs and is seated on a horse with raised hooves. In the right hand he holds a vajra, which rests on the right knee, and in the left he holds a Dharma instrument. The image expresses Vajradhara’s power and might.