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Bezeklik Cave 20: Superintendent Monks
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Bezeklik Cave 20: Superintendent Monks
CHINA, Xinjiang, Turpan; circa 9th-10th century; 1.7 x 1.1 m; Museum of Asian Art, Berlin, Germany
This painting is located on the inner wall of the north corridor. These life-sized figures wear monastic robes in the Chinese style, with crossed collars and large sleeves. The front of each robe bears a pattern resembling the rectangular division of rice fields. All three Superintendent Monks have similar features, including full faces, elongated eyebrows and eyes, prominent noses, and small mouths; typical Uighur characteristics. Each monk holds a flower in both hands.
Across the top of the figures are three rectangular cartouches reading, from left to right, the names of the Superintendent Monks: Fahui, Jinhui, and Zhitong; appearing in both Chinese and Uighur scripts. A Superintendent Monk was the highest official managing all monastic matters in Gaochang during the Tang dynasty (618–907). |
