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Kumtura Cave 23: Astrological Signs
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Kumtura Cave 23: Astrological Signs
CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu; circa 6th century
These images are on the central ridge of the barrel-vaulted ceiling in the main chamber. Included are images of Surya, two white geese, and a garuda. An image of Candra once included among these was removed by a German expedition and is currently preserved in the Museum of Asian Art in Berlin. In Buddhist cosmology, the universe consists of myriad world systems and each has a Sun Deity and a Moon Deity, represented by Surya and Candra, respectively. In the painting, Surya is clad in green and covered with armor. He sits cross-legged on a carriage with a wheel on each side as white radial rays shine behind him. The white geese with wings spread fly upwards, and the garuda fiercely grasps a naga in its beak. |
