 |
Kumtura Cave 63: Offering Banners to the Buddha
|
| |
|
Kumtura Cave 63: Offering Banners to the Buddha
CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu; 7th–8th century
This painting on the south side of the barrel-vaulted ceiling in the main chamber depicts the Buddha surrounded by an assorted retinue. According to the Avadanasataka, a king built a stupa made of four jewels to house a past Buddha’s relics. At that time, a man offered a long banner, placed it on the stupa, made vows, and left. This man was later reborn as a monk who followed the Buddha.
In this painting, two long, colorful banners are offered by a figure who kneels on the left. The Buddha wears a monastic robe that covers his left shoulder, and a colorful nimbus and aureole encompass him. The Buddha raises his right arm and turns towards the figure making the offering. |
