Kizil Cave 38: King Sarvadatta Jataka

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This mural is located on the left side of the barrel-vaulted ceiling within the main chamber. According to the Bodhisattva Avadana, King Sarvadatta was extremely generous. When his kingdom was under attack, the king went to the remote mountains to cultivate. A brahmin came to the king place to beg for donations. However, because he had nothing to offer, the king told the brahmin to tie him up and surrender him to the invaders’ kingdom for bounty. The brahmin refused, so Sarvadatta bound his own hands.
In this painting, the king of the invading kingdom wears a crown and is seated on a rectangular throne beneath a circular canopy. He tilts to one side with the left hand supporting his cheek and the right hand at his waist. King Sarvadatta stands to the right wearing a crown and having a nimbus. His blue stole hangs in front and his hands are tied behind his back. Sarvadatta smiles gently, and his head is lifted as he leans back slightly. A brahmin stands next to the king with his calves crossed and his right hand raised. The thin appearance of the brahmin provides noticeable contrast with the full body of King Sarvadatta, which characterizes the might.