FA 34a Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Jataka Tales, Northern Wei, Buddhism In Mongolia
Document Summary
The ajanta caves consisted of rock cut caves that were painted on the walls and ceilings of the interiors. The figures are portrayed with unique and individualized poses and expressions. Jataka tales (stories of the buddha"s past lives) were the subject of some of the murals. In ajanta cave 1, one mural shows king mahajanaka listening to a sermon. The king is not seated on the elevated plane, but rather the wise man. The king"s hands are pressed together in a position of respect. He also is leaned forward, paying close attention to the wise man. 1 shows king mahajanaka announcing his decision to seek dharma and leave the palace, similar to the historical buddha. Several women are shown in surprised expressions upon hearing this announcement. There surprise and shock is made evident via the raised/arched eyebrow. Here gestures and facial expressions are important in storytelling. The paintings use shading to model the figures.
