Kizil Cave 17: King Sarvadatta Jataka

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This painting is located on the left side of the barrel-vaulted ceiling in the main chamber. According to Bodhisattva Avadana, King Sarvadatta was a very generous person. When a neighboring kingdom attacked his own, he took refuge in the remote mountains. A brahmin went to King Sarvadatta asking for offerings. At that time, the king had nothing to offer, so he let the brahmin capture him to bring to the neighboring kingdom for reward. The brahmin was reluctant to do so, therefore, King Sarvadatta bound himself with ropes.
In this painting, the person seated on a throne is the neighboring king. He wears a crown on his head, a stole around his shoulders and arms, and a green lower garment. His feet and upper body are bare, and he adopts a sinuous posture. King Sarvadatta is depicted next to him with both hands tied behind his back. He stands tall and raises his head, appearing to be confident and at ease. Compared to the brahmin, who raises his arm high in excitement, the calm expression of King Sarvadatta gives a great contrast.
Due to the color deterioration, the background of this diamond-shaped painting and the body of King Sarvadatta have darkened considerably.