 |
Kizil Cave 14: Jataka of the Naga King
|
| |
|
Kizil Cave 14: Jataka of the Naga King
CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu; circa 6th–7th century
This painting is located on the right side of the barrel-vaulted ceiling within the main chamber. According to the Extraordinary Stories from Sutras and Vinayas, 500 merchants went to sea in search of treasure. They found themselves in a dangerous situation and almost died, but were able to cross the sea safely with the help of the Naga King.
Blue mountains form the background of the painting. The two-headed Naga King is green with a light-colored belly. Each of its two heads is wrapped around a mountain peak and it holds its body in its mouths. Two merchants with palms joined stand on the Naga King’s back. They both wear short garments with down-turned collars, and pants with sashes around their waists. The person on the left wears a round hat and looks back to the other. The person on the right expresses joy at being saved. |
