Mogao Cave 61: Ceiling

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties

At the center of the ceiling is a dragon whose body forms a circle, with the front and rear claws almost touching. The dragon has horns on its head and holds a round jewel between its jaws. This image is surrounded by a circular floral motif, outside of which birds with open wings are painted on four sides. Quarter circles of the same floral motif adorn the corners of the surrounding square. Moving outwards, in successively larger squares, there are beaded pattern, key pattern, an ornate floral design containing images of phoenixes with flowers in their beaks, pennants with miniature trefoil motifs, and intricate valances. The valances are surrounded by a ring of Buddhas of the Ten Directions. The slopes of the ceiling are filled with the Thousand Buddhas. These images are all painted in fine lines and rich colors.