Mogao Cave 17: Warrior

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

Dating from the late 9th century, this is one of the best preserved banners discovered in Cave 17. The headpiece is missing, but the rest of the banner is fully intact. The warrior has red skin and wide eyes. White ribbons attached to his headdress appear to flutter in the wind. Flame patterns decorate the inner circumference of the nimbus. A necklace, bracelets, and anklets adorn the body. Stoles wind around the arms. The warrior holds a decorative staff with both hands. His muscles are defined with black lines and washes of red. Each foot rests on a lotus pedestal. A trail of purple clouds rises from behind the figure and expands above the nimbus. As the body of the banner is composed of a thin layer of silk, the warrior can also be seen on the reverse side.