Khara Khoto: Hungry Ghost

CHINA, Inner Mongolia, Alxa; Western Xia period

In this fragment of a painting from the late 12th century to early 13th century, a blue hungry ghost squats on a square blanket. The ghost has wide eyes, a thin neck, a round belly, and bony limbs. The right hand holds up a long-handled spoon and the left hand holds a bowl. The ghost’s mouth is wide open as it attempts to eat. Though the right half of the painting is missing, it still effectively illustrates the desperate state of a hungry ghost.