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Kizil Cave 13: Life of the Buddha - Teaching the Gandharva King
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Kizil Cave 13: Life of the Buddha - Teaching the Gandharva King
CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu; circa 4th–late 5th century; 2.1 x 1.3 m; Museum of Asian Art, Berlin, Germany
Originally, this painting was located on the left wall of the rear corridor. According to the Mulasarvastivada Vinaya-Vastu, the Gandharva King, Sudana, was a talented but arrogant musician. The Buddha, disguised as a deity, arranged a heavenly music contest with Sudana. They each played a harp, and the Buddha won. Sudana then realized his arrogance and took refuge in the Buddha.
Disguised as a deity, the Buddha is depicted on the left side of the painting with a light complexion. He wears a triple-disc crown, a flowing stole around the body, and a green sash at the waist. The right hand is at chest level, and the left arm rests on Sudana’s shoulder. The dark skinned Sudana wears a headdress and numerous ornaments. His hands appear to be playing a harp. A flowering tree canopy stands behind the two figures. Each flower on the tree has six petals with six small gems at its center. |
