Mogao Cave 302: Ceiling

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Sui dynasty

These narrative illustrations are painted on the gabled ceiling at the front of the main chamber. On the upper east slope are eight frames; the first two on the left are unidentifiable and the others each contain a representative image of a Jataka tale, including the King Sudhira Jataka, King Candraprabha Jataka, King Sibi Jataka, and the Jatakas of Sacrifice for a Gatha. In the lower register of the east slope, the Syama Jataka is depicted in a series of scenes arranged sequentially from left to right. On the west slope, there are similar arrangements for the Prince Mahasattva Jataka in the upper register and the Sutra on the Field of Merits in the lower register. The illustrations are all composed against a white background, which contrasts with the terracotta walls below and serves to highlight the murals on the ceiling.