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Mogao Cave 130: Ceiling
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Mogao Cave 130: Ceiling
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Western Xia period (1032–1227)
This gorgeous ceiling shelters the giant Maitreya Buddha statue in Cave 130. A coiled dragon is at the center of the ceiling, presented against a bright green background and surrounded by a ring of auspicious clouds. Four dragons are sculpted in relief in the four corners of the surrounding square panel, and on each of the north, south, and east sides are a series of intricate border patterns. These consist of beaded, floral, key, and honeysuckle patterns, and are followed by colorful medallions in a repeated pattern that occupies the remaining space on the three slopes of the ceiling. |
