Khadalik Temple 1: Sakyamuni and Vairocana Buddhas with Ganesa

CHINA, Xinjiang, Hotan

These mural fragments show the head of Sakyamuni Buddha, the hand and chest of Vairocana Buddha, and part of Ganesa. The fragment painted with the head of Sakyamuni Buddha is 11.5 cm high and 10 cm wide. The Buddha has a topknot, lidded eyes, and long ears. A nimbus surrounds the head. A ribbon is tied around the topknot and hangs behind the ears. The fragment of the chest of Vairocana is 15 cm high and 10 cm wide. The symbols drawn on the body and the arm, especially the vajra on the forearm, are typical of images of Vairocana. The fragment painted with an image of Ganesa is 16.8 cm high and 16 cm wide. The elephant head is backed by a green aureole. Multiple arms adorned with bracelets and armlets are visible.