Kizil Caves: Standing Buddha

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

On this votive board found in the Kizil caves, a Buddha standing on a green lotus pedestal is painted against a white background. The Buddha has blue hair, a muscular body, and an urna between his eyes. A tight brown robe is draped over the left shoulder. The Buddha’s left hand holds a round alms bowl and the right hand hangs down at his side. The nimbus and aureole are composed of multiple layers of color outlined with black. A small figure with joined palms kneels at the Buddha’s feet. The figure has a third eye and wears a white garment with trim on the collar, sleeves and hem. The eye sockets, cheeks, and muscles of the Buddha are shaded with brown to give him a three-dimensional appearance. There is Brahmi script written on the back of the votive board.