Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts

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Vols：Caves

Page：1586

Yulin Cave 15: Apsara

CHINA, Gansu, Guazhou; Tang dynasty (618–907)
This figure is depicted on the north end of the ceiling within the antechamber. There were originally a number of such images; however, the center of the ceiling has collapsed and only two figures remain. This apsara wears a headdress, a long flowing lower garment, and a stole that blows in the wind. One hand holds the neck of a phoenix-headed zither, while the other hand gently plucks at the strings. The instrument depicted here is the Indian variety, most likely introduced into China from Central Asia during the Sui (581–618) and Tang (618–907) dynasties.

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