Mogao Cave 159: Ceiling (detail)
Mogao Cave 159: Ceiling
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty
Located within the niche on the back (west) wall of the main chamber, the truncated pyramidal ceiling from the Mid-Tang period (756–846) is decorated with a latticed circular floral pattern in the center. The ribs of the lattices are decorated with leafy camellia. The circular floral patterns painted within the squares contain inner and outer layers of petals, with each outer ring formed by six petals. Surrounding the central flowers are rings of either stylized clouds or flower patterns, and in the corners of each square are similar motifs in alternating appearance. The predominant colors used are red, mineral green, and yellow, which together offer a bright, regal tone.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves M-Mo, page 989.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Johnson, Peter and Mankuang and Huntington, Susan and Edson, Gary and Neather, Robert,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves M-Mo},
pages = 989,
title = {{Mogao Cave 159: Ceiling}},
volume = 7,
year = {2016}}