Mogao Cave 305: Ceiling

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Sui dynasty

In the center of the ceiling is a diamond-in-square motif with a large lotus medallion in the middle. Three rabbits are painted within the lotus medallion, and the surrounding ocher red squares are embellished with honeysuckle motifs. The four inner corners contain winged creatures while the four outer corners contain apsaras.
Framing the outside of the diamond-in-square motif are three overlapping decorative borders of petals, pennants, and black valances with wave-like edges. On the four corners are long tassels embellished with images of ornaments and wind chimes. On the slopes of the ceiling, the flying apsaras with swirling stoles and the spinning celestial flowers provide an abundant sense of movement and vitality. Draperies separate the edge of the ceiling from the four walls, giving the impression that the ceiling is one grand celestial canopy.