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Kizil Caves: Standing Buddha
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Kizil Caves: Standing Buddha
CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu; circa 4th century; By Shanketawa; Ink and color on wood; 46 x 10 cm; Museum of Asian Art, Berlin, Germany
This wood board painting was found in an unnamed cave above Kizil Cave 27. The standing Buddha wears a monastic robe draped over the left shoulder and has a slightly inclined head. The right hand is raised to the shoulder and forms the (vitarka) teaching mudra while the left holds a bowl in front of the chest. The Buddha stands with one leg slightly in front of the other. The bare feet rest on an oval lotus pedestal. A nimbus and a mandorla are painted behind the body. The outline of the figure is smooth and the folds on the clothing are well arranged, revealing the shape of the body. Above the Buddha, there is a line of Kuchean inscription written in Brahmi script which states, Illustrated by Shanketawa. "" |
