Mogao Cave 329: Ceiling

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

The truncated pyramidal ceiling in the main chamber has a caisson center embellished with colorful floral motifs. Apsaras fly around the circular floral design in the center, with their celestial garments trailing amidst swirling clouds in a blue sky. The four corners of the square caisson are each adorned with quarter-circle floral motifs, and the square is framed by concentric patterns of foliage, petals, and pennants, forming a canopy. Three apsaras are painted on each side of the canopy against a white background. The 12 apsaras wear red, blue, or green garments with long flowing stoles. The lower sections of the four slopes are covered with Thousand Buddha images.