Yulin Cave 16: Ceiling

CHINA, Gansu, Guazhou; Five Dynasties

Though much of the central image on the ceiling is severely damaged, many parts of the ceiling slopes are relatively well preserved, such as these motifs on the south slope. The first inner layer depicts a key pattern, vines and floral designs, clouds, and ornamental drapery. The next layer illustrates apsaras flying among wisps of cloud, playing various instruments, including a seven-stringed zither and a panpipe. Four lines of the Thousand Buddha motif painted in mineral green and ocher, each accompanied by a cartouche, are found between the apsaras and the edge of the ceiling. Set among the Thousand Buddhas is an illustration of the Buddha teaching the Dharma, containing a central Buddha who is accompanied by two disciples and two Bodhisattvas.