 |
Mogao Cave 263: Male Donor
|
| |
|
Mogao Cave 263: Male Donor
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties (907–960); 72.5 x 25 cm; State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia
This is one of two donor portraits from the Five Dynasties (907-960) originally located on the front (east) wall of Cave 263. The wall that the image was removed from is cracked and eroded.
The donor wears a black robe with white cuffs embroidered with a red pattern, as well as a red belt and black boots. Holding a red lotus petal between his joined palms and standing facing partially to one side, he appears solemn and pious. At the top of the image is a decorative border consisting of red, green, and black triangles. The color alternation creates a sense of depth. Below the figure is a red floral pattern on a white background, and on both sides are inscriptions. |
