Eastern Thousand Buddha Cave 2: Dragons and Phoenixes

CHINA, Gansu, Guazhou; Western Xia period

This mural is located on the trapezoidal ceiling of the north and south corridors. The background color of the mural is ocher, with the images painted primarily in brown, light and dark blue, mineral green, black, and white.
A phoenix with spread wings and long, curving tail feathers surrounded by flowers of various sizes and colors is depicted on the lower section of the mural. At the top of the mural is a white shape that appears to be the wings and upper body of a smaller phoenix. The center of the mural is filled with flowers, while a large brown and green dragon is located on each side.
The layout of the mural is simple and balanced, with the images drawn in intricate, precise detail and highlighted with striking colors.