Mogao Cave 285: Ceiling

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Western Wei dynasty

The truncated pyramidal ceiling in this cave features images of both apsaras and folk deities from Chinese mythology to create an impression of the heavens. On the east slope, two warriors wearing stoles hold a large lotus by the stem. A wish-fulfilling jewel appears in the center of the lotus. To each side of the jewel are Fuxi and Nuwa, who represent sun and moon. They have human heads and the bodies of serpents. Their chests are adorned with a sun disc or a moon disc, and they seem to dance in flight. On the right beside the warriors are Wuhuo, the Deity of Strength, and an apsara; on the left are Feilian, or Wind Deity, and Kaiming, a mythical creature. On the upper west slope are two apsaras and two Thunder Deities. The Thunder Deities hold a lotus drum between them and swing their arms vigorously. In the center of the lower west slope is a child with a vase of flowers on his head. The child is surrounded by Feilian, apsaras, and sages riding phoenixes. The upper north slope displays dancing apsaras, Feilian, Wuhuo, and a Jimeng, or Rain Deity. Lightning bolts are painted in their midst. In the upper south slope is a wish-fulfilling jewel in a lotus flower, surrounded by a glowing light. Two apsaras make lotus offerings, and below them are Wuhuo, Kaiming, and another apsara. All four slopes also feature images of mythical creatures and swirling celestial flowers. Just above the walls, there are images of monks meditating in caves.