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Kumtura Cave 46: Life of the Buddha -Distribution of Relics Among the Eight Kings
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Kumtura Cave 46: Life of the Buddha -Distribution of Relics Among the Eight Kings
CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu; circa 6th century
This illustration is located in the center of the outer wall within the rear corridor. The image depicts the Buddha’s relics being distributed among the kings of eight neighboring kingdoms. Each king was prepared to fight for possession of the relics, until Drona the brahmin prevented the conflict by proposing to divide them equally. Each king took his portion back to his kingdom and built a stupa to house these relics. The painting depicts Drona holding a reliquary with a triangular lid. The reliquary, similar in shape and design to those found in other Kuchean artworks, is decorated with patterns and line work. |
