Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts

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Vols：Caves

Page：1105

Mogao Cave 285: Ceiling

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Western Wei dynasty (535–556)
Located in the center of the ceiling, this is the earliest canopy-style caisson painted within the Mogao Caves. The center is composed of a diamond-in-square motif. Within the innermost square is a green circle enclosed by an inverted lotus. A floral pattern is painted within the red square frame. The four corners of the next square feature flaming jewels, while the following square contains lotuses. The outermost border frames the diamond-in-square motif with pennants and chimes. The four corners are embellished with tassels that extend onto the slopes of the ceiling.

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