Kizil Cave 17: Jataka of the Bodhisattva Burning His Arms to Guide the Merchants

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This painting is located on the right side of the barrel-vaulted ceiling within the main chamber. According to this Jataka from the Sutra of the Wise and the Foolish, 500 merchants became lost inside a dark and dangerous valley. The lead merchant, Sabo, used some white clothes to wrap his arms, moistened them with ghee, and lit them on fire to be used as a source of light. After seven days, the merchants were able to exit the dark valley under the guidance of Sabo.
In this painting, Sabo wears a stole and a green garment. He raises both his arms high in the air, his hands forming two burning torches. He appears calm and at ease with his body slightly curved and his eyes closed. Merchants in white hats are depicted to the left. The merchant in the forefront wears a robe with white dots, and the one toward the back wears a long white garment with collars. A camel carrying a full load of goods is found to the far left.