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Kizil Cave 47: Prince Mahasattva Jataka
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Kizil Cave 47: Prince Mahasattva Jataka
CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu; circa 4th century
This mural is located on the left wall of the rear corridor, near the head of the reclining Buddha. Prince Mahasattva, upon witnessing a starving tigress, offered his own body so that she would not eat her own cubs.
In this mural, Prince Mahasattva is being consumed by the tigress and her cubs. The prince is seated upright, unlike other Kuchean murals of this Jataka. The Mahasattva’s right hand is raised above his head while the ravenous tigress viciously tears at his chest. Two tiger cubs are depicted below him. One gnaws at the prince’s left arm while another gazes with mouth agape. |
