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Kizil Cave 48: Apsaras
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Kizil Cave 48: Apsaras
CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu; circa 4th century
Located on the barrel-vaulted ceiling in the rear corridor, this mural is painted directly onto the rock, rather than onto a layer of prepared plaster. The eight apsaras wear jeweled crowns and dhotis. They each have a nimbus and their stoles flutter about them. One apsara holds a detailed parasol, while others hold bouquets, flower garlands, or trays of flowers. Some scatter the flowers while others dance in mid-flight or make offerings with joined palms. There are lotuses, jewels, and flowers suspended throughout the sky to represent the offerings of the heavenly beings after the Buddha’s parinirvana. |
