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Bezeklik Cave 41: Male Donors
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Bezeklik Cave 41: Male Donors
CHINA, Xinjiang, Turpan; circa 13th century
This painting is located on the right side of the front (east) wall of Cave 41’s main chamber. Each donor has long hair and wears a hat or headdress. Dressed in long, narrow-sleeved coats and knee-high boots, they stand with joined palms in the offering posture. There is a rectangular cartouche between each figure; however, the inscriptions are no longer legible.
The figures are not depicted with the delicacy or liveliness characteristic of art created during the peak of Buddhism during the period of Uighur (mid-9th century–1209) ruling over Gaochang. Therefore, the painting is believed to have been created after the Uighurs surrendered to the Mongols during the 13th century. |
