Kizil Cave 38: Maitreya Bodhisattva Teaching the Dharma

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This painting is located on the semicircular wall above the entrance of the main chamber. In the mural, Maitreya Bodhisattva is dressed in celestial garments and wears a headdress, necklace, armlets, bracelets, and other ornaments. The Bodhisattva is seated on a throne with legs crossed at the ankles. A nimbus and aureole encompass the figure, and the hands form the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra. Other Bodhisattvas in similar attire stand on either side.
One Bodhisattva, seated in the center of the three on the lower right, is depicted with an unusual gesture and expression. The Bodhisattva wears large earrings, and has a bare upper body, with the left arm raised and the right placed at the chest. The Bodhisattva’s head turns sideways with the chin lowered. It looks as if the figure is conversing with the Bodhisattva to the right, whose head is raised slightly. This figure’s graceful and appealing gesture adds liveliness to the solemn atmosphere of the assembly.