Fragment with a Head of Bodhisattva

About this work

This is a worn, cracked piece of painted wall. A face with a big, round headgear is in the center—mostly faded red and blue, with some green and white left on the edges. The paint is chipped, showing rough, brown plaster underneath. The face looks calm, with simple lines for eyes and a small smile. The colors are flat, not blended, and the edges are uneven where the plaster broke. Look up kizil next—it’s a place with ancient cave paintings like this one.