Kizil Cave 38: Mahamati Jataka

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This painting is on the left side of the barrel-vaulted ceiling in the main chamber. According to the jakata, Mahamati, the son of Mahadana, lived in a land with no suffering. In his past life, Mahamati had vowed to practice generosity to benefit all people. One day in his youth, he went to the ocean in search of gems in order to fulfill his vow. On his way home, the many gems he obtained were stolen by the Ocean Deity. Mahamati asked the deity to return the gems in order to fulfill his vow, but the deity refused. Mahamati therefore began to scoop water from the ocean with all his might. This moved the heavenly beings to provide him assistance. In three days, half the ocean had been emptied and the terrified Ocean Deity returned the gems.
In this diamond-shaped painting with a white background, the circle of green water which represents the ocean is depicted beneath a flowering tree. Mahamati stands in the water and bends his body as he uses a pan to scoop it up. The Ocean Deity, partially submerged, holds a tray with the gems which he returns to Mahamati.