Ceiling Pattern - Mogao Caves

Religious Themed Ceiling Patterns

• Buddhist Themes : Such as flying apsaras ceiling designs and lotus ceiling designs, the patterns are mostly based on Buddhist stories and symbolic objects, reflecting the connotations of Buddhist culture.

Late Tang - Mogao Caves, Cave 161 Ceiling Design - Thousand-Armed Guanyin

Late Tang - Mogao Caves, Cave 14 Ceiling Design - Four-Direction Buddhas 

Nature Themed Ceiling Patterns

• Plant Themes : Patterns of plants such as lotus, honeysuckle, pomegranate, and grape, showcasing the worship and beautification of natural plants.
• Animal Themes : Patterns of auspicious beasts, flying apsaras, etc., reflecting the imagination and creation of animal images.

Early Tang - Mogao Caves, Cave 209 - Grape and Pomegranate Ceiling Design

Early Tang - Mogao Caves, Cave 322 - Grape and Pomegranate Pattern Ceiling Design

High Tang - Mogao Caves, Cave 320 - Round Flower Ceiling Design

Middle Tang - Mogao Caves, Cave 201 - Tea Flower Ceiling Design

Late Tang - Mogao Caves, Cave 29 - Round Dragon and Curled-Petal Lotus Pattern Ceiling Design

Song Dynasty - Mogao Caves, Cave 235 - Five Dragons Soaring Through the Clouds

Diverse Themed Ceiling Patterns

• Composite Patterns : Integrating multiple elements such as religious, natural, and geometric motifs to form a unique decorative style, such as lotus and flying apsaras ceiling designs. 

Early Tang - Mogao Caves, Cave 329 - Lotus and Flying Apsaras Ceiling Design Pattern

Sui Dynasty - Mogao Caves, Cave 407 - Three Hares and Flying Apsaras

Northern Zhou - Mogao Caves, Cave 428 - Nude Flying Apsaras