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Kizil Cave 175: Vajradhara
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Kizil Cave 175: Vajradhara
CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu; circa 6th–7th century
This illustration is located on the right side of the niche ceiling on the back wall of the main chamber. In the image, Vajradhara wears a headdress made from the skin of a tiger and glares downward as if fiercely viewing an opponent. He is clad in a blue warrior’s robe, which wraps around the neck and arms, and descends down his body. A pendant is fastened to his chest by means of four studded straps, and a white apron drapes around his waist. He wears greaves on his lower legs and is seated on a horse with raised hooves. In the right hand he holds a vajra, which rests on the right knee, and in the left he holds a Dharma instrument. The image expresses Vajradhara’s power and might. |
