国立情報学研究所 - ディジタル・シルクロード・プロジェクト
『東洋文庫所蔵』貴重書デジタルアーカイブ

PLATE XXVI

PAINTINGS FROM BEZEKLIK

Bez. x. A, B

THIS comes from the east side of the base of the cult figure placed near the south end of the cella. As this is an almost exact replica of the right-hand end of the picture Bez. x. D—F, I, J, plate xxv, a brief description only need be given here, and the fuller note on plate xxv may be referred to for more

details.

A considerable amount of discoloration, probably due to the use of lead white,

has marred much of the painting, more especially the flesh colours; and abrasion

has caused further deterioration.

On the left, a Vajrapani sits cross-legged, waving a yak-tail chauri above his head

with his right hand while the left rests on the top of a vajra in his lap. His forearms

are covered with sleeves figured with the curious plaiting already described in con-

nexion with the dákinis on plates xx and xxi. Indications of the green downs,

more clearly seen in the version on plate xxv, appear on the left. The other three

figures are Bodhisattvas with hands folded in anjalí-mudrá; two seated cross-legged

and the end one with the right knee raised supporting the right elbow. He seems

to be conversing with the next Bodhisattva, whose head is turned towards him.

Bez. ix. A

This is from the south-east wall of the cella of this shrine. It is a fragment from

a pranídhi scene of which one side of vesica and nimbus of a standing figure of the

Buddha and three adorants remain, all very badly oxidized and discoloured.

The central figure was evidently turned towards the right, as the upraised left

hand is extended in vitarka--mudrá in that direction. Part of the robe covers the

upper arm and shoulder and a floral garland hangs over it. Nimbus and vesica

show many-coloured vertical zigzags surrounded by bands, once red, now blackish-

brown, on which are traces of rosettes; and outer zones, probably green, with a

discoloured scroll pattern.

The kneeling figure, of decidedly Mongol type, is dressed as a Bodhisattva and

presents to the Buddha an object, one end of which hangs over the left wrist,

looking like an animal's skin, yellow with dark tiger-like stripes. The loin-cloth

of the donor is yellow shaded with dull red, and has a red-brown border. His skirt

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