Mogao Cave 321: Apsaras

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

These apsaras are found to the left of the Buddha’s nimbus on the ceiling of the back (west) wall niche. The two apsaras swoop downwards along the edge of the nimbus, their upper bodies arched in a graceful pose. They wear crowns and their long hair trails behind them in the wind. Their faces are delicate and their bodies appear supple and slightly rounded. Their complexions have darkened with time, but the shading technique used is still evident. The upper torsos are bare and adorned with ornaments. Each of them holds a flower before their chest with one hand while the other gestures as if to scatter flowers below. They are clothed in long lower garments, and long stoles are looped though their arms which fly behind them naturally. The clouds surrounding the apsaras contribute to the sense of graceful soaring.