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Kizil Cave 17: King Sibi Jataka
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Kizil Cave 17: King Sibi Jataka
CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu; circa 6th century
uddha’s past life as King Sibi who fed a hawk his own flesh in order to save a dove.
In the painting, King Sibi and the queen sit on a rectangular throne. The king raises both hands to welcome the dove who came to request help. The hawk, close behind, chases after the dove. A person on the right side of the throne slices off the king’s flesh with a knife, offering it to the hawk in exchange for the dove’s life.
The chest, abdomen, hands, and legs of the figures are drawn using a wash technique, which is characteristic of Kuchean painting. After over 1,000 years of oxidation, the color has become darker and the surface rougher. |
