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Mogao Cave 17: Mountain Censer Offering
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Mogao Cave 17: Mountain Censer Offering
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty (618–907); Ink and color on linen; 96 x 127 cm; State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia
This rectangular artwork from the Late Tang period (846-907) with a diamond patterned border was discovered in Mogao Cave 17. In the center of the painting, a kneeling figure supports a mountain censer, a specialized incense burner, on his head. The incense burner is decorated with lotus petals and a flaming jewel. Two flower stalks branch upwards around the incense burner. In the corners, four phoenixes perched on lotus thrones spread their wings and hold flower offerings in their beaks. |
