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Mogao Cave 17: Sutra Wrapper
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Mogao Cave 17: Sutra Wrapper
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Mogao Cave 17: Sutra Wrapper
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty (618–907), late 8th–9th century; Silk; 75.5 x 35 cm; British Museum, London, United Kingdom
This sutra wrapper was discovered in Mogao Cave 17 in Dunhuang. This artifact is thought to have some Sogdian features and dates from the late 8th to 9th century.
The sutra wrapper is made of silk on a paper frame. Samite silk is used along the borders, within which there is a pair of lions surrounded by diamond patterns characteristic of the Sassanid Empire (224-651). The middle section of the wrapper consists of a vertical light-colored silk strip, with an orange strip on either side. The Chinese character for open" appears in the bottom left corner. The top is sewn with three bands of samite silk; the middle band extends upward and is connected to a linen band |
