Overview
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Fresco panel.
Find site
Measurement
height 54 centimetres, width 43 centimetres
Material
Language / script
Subject
Description
Scope and content : Mi. xiii. 11–12. Pair of fresco panels from west wall of chamber behind temple cella (for position, see Pl. 53). The style and technique are those of the preceding series (1)–(9), and the colours the same with the addition of vermilion and a dull blue. The upper part of (12) is lost, but at bottom are seen the yellow band and red stone blocks as in (5)–(9). The background again is of maroon, sprinkled with yellow trefoils and large falling blossoms, red, dark green, and yellow. (12) is incomplete. The centre of interest lay evidently on R. of portion preserved, as the attention of most of figs. is directed that way. The subject cannot be identified. One small group on L. seems, however, complete in itself. It consists of a seated monk with another kneeling before him, his hands horizontal in pose of adoration. The seated monk is in yellow robe and green under-robe; his R. hand in attitude of protection, L. hand on knee. He shows no sign of age like the other seated teachers. In bottom corner adjoining his seat is the corner of a water-tank; behind remains part of a funnel-shaped green object with yellow rim, perhaps foliage of a tree. The kneeling monk is also young; he wears a dull greyish-blue robe, and kneels on a vermilion mat. His head is peaked instead of rounded, the forehead receding. In top L. corner remains part of fig. in yellow robe kneeling on white lotus and apparently turned to L.
Institution
Date
undated
Historical information
show / hide Historical informationProvenance
Find site identifier
Min.
Stein site number
Mi.xiii.12
Find site description
Site near Shorchuk, Karashahr, 20-30 miles east of Lake Baghrash on the northern arm of the Silk Road. It is called 'Ming-oi' meaning the 'Thousand Houses' and consists of an extensive collection of Buddhist shrines. Stein excavated there on his second expedition to Chinese Central Asia. Hedin and Grünwedel had excavated there previously.
Short description : Buddhist Caves north of Korla
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The British Museum Reproduced by kind permission of the Trustees of the British Museum