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Bezeklik Cave 20: Uighur Royalty as Donors
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Bezeklik Cave 20: Uighur Royalty as Donors
CHINA, Xinjiang, Turpan; circa 9th-10th century; 62.4 cm x 59.5 cm; Asian Art Museum, National Museums in Berlin, Germany
This image is located on the left side of the front (east) wall of the main chamber. The mural depicts three royal figures facing the doorway of the main chamber, proceeding to make offerings on a long white carpet with a red floral pattern. There is a cartouche before each royal; however, only the one beside the figure on the right is legible.
The royal figure on the right has a solemn expression and is believed to hold a higher post. Wearing a tall lotus petal-shaped crown, he has a mustache and a beard. He is dressed in a long, red, round-collared robe embellished with small green and white flowers. He wears black boots and a girdle with a sash that holds ornaments such as a flint, dagger, and rope. The two other figures following behind him have round faces with shorter beards. Each of the three figures holds a long-stemmed flower in offering. |
