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Mogao Cave 17: Apsara
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Mogao Cave 17: Apsara
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Mogao Cave 17: Apsara
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties to Northern Song dynasty (907–1127); Ink and color on silk; 303 x 19.6 cm; Guimet Museum of Asian Art, Paris, France
These images from the 10th century are part of a 303 cm long banner made of silk. The banner is painted with five apsaras surrounded by clouds. It is one of several similar artworks found in the Dunhuang caves.
Appearing serene and dignified, the apsaras hover in the air, joining their palms or playing instruments such as clappers, cymbals, or a flute. They are outlined with bold red lines and lightly shaded with ink. Because many similar banners were discovered in Dunhuang, the original artwork was thought to be much longer. |
