Flying Apsaras - Mogao Caves
The flying apsaras in the Mogao Caves of Dunhuang are one of the most representative artistic images of this site. These celestial dancers have not only become a symbol of Dunhuang art but also an immortal work of art. Among the 492 caves in the Mogao Caves, almost every cave depicts the image of flying apsaras, with a total number exceeding 4,500. With their graceful and beautiful forms, the flying apsaras represent freedom and transcendence and are considered symbols of auspiciousness. They are often used as decorations and amulets to seek peace and happiness.
The images of flying apsaras are diverse, including child apsaras, six-armed apsaras, and nude apsaras, showcasing the richness of Dunhuang murals. From an artistic perspective, the flying apsaras are a fusion of multiple cultures. Although their origin is in India, the Dunhuang flying apsaras are the result of the joint nurturing of Indian, Western Regions, and Central Plains cultures. The flying apsaras do not have wings or feathers; they mainly rely on their flowing long skirts and fluttering ribbons to soar through the air, with elegant postures full of vitality. This imaginative creation is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese painters and can be considered a miracle in the history of world art. The flying apsaras are undoubtedly the ambassadors of Dunhuang.
The functions of the flying apsaras mainly consist of three aspects: First, worship and offering, which is manifested by clasping hands in prayer or presenting flowers and fruits; second, scattering flowers and spreading fragrance, which is shown by holding a flower plate, a vase, or scattering flowers with fingers; and third, performing music and dance, which is depicted by playing musical instruments or dancing. The history of the Dunhuang flying apsaras can be traced back to the Northern Liang period of the Sixteen Kingdoms, reaching its peak during the Sui Dynasty. With the support of strong national power, the Tang Dynasty inherited and developed the style of the Sui Dynasty, and the painting techniques reached their pinnacle. The flying apsaras of the Sui and Tang periods were particularly brilliant, and their charm deeply captivated people's attention, leaving a lasting impression.
Imitation Incubation Period
Mainly the Northern Liang, Northern Wei, and Western Wei periods (421-556 AD). During this period, the shape of the flying apsaras was mostly snake-like and undulating, resembling flowing clouds and water.
Northern Liang - Mogao Caves, Cave 275, North Wall - Buddhist Sutra Story: The Birth Story of King Shibi
Northern Liang - Mogao Caves, Cave 275, South Wall - Fragment of the Story of the Four Gates
Northern Wei - Mogao Caves, Cave 257, Center Pillar, South Wall - Music and Dance Flying Apsaras Holding a Pipa
Western Wei - Mogao Caves, Cave 249 - Western Regions Style Flying Apsaras
Western Wei - Mogao Caves, Cave 285 - Central Plains Style Flying Apsaras
Transformation and Creative Period
Mainly the Northern Zhou and Sui periods (557-618 AD). This period was the most creative in the creation of flying apsaras, with rich and vibrant images. In the paintings, the flying apsaras ride auspicious clouds, chasing and playing with each other, full of vitality.
Northern Zhou - Mogao Caves, Cave 290 - Music and Dance Flying Apsaras on the Upper Edge
Northern Zhou - Mogao Caves, Cave 296, North Slope of the Ceiling - Young Girl Flying Apsaras
Northern Zhou - Mogao Caves, Cave 428, West Wall Niche Top - Buddha's Halo Flying Apsaras
Sui - Mogao Caves, Cave 419, Back Part of the Ceiling - A Close-up of the Monk's Robe Flying Apsaras in the Maitreya Sutra Transformation and the Partial View of the Eastern and Western Kings
Sui - Mogao Caves, Cave 419, Ceiling - Platform Rail Wall, Music and Dance Flying Apsaras 1 Close-up
Sui - Mogao Caves, Cave 206, Top of the West Niche - Flying Apsaras
Sui - Mogao Caves, Cave 266, Lower Edge of the Ceiling - One Flying Apsaras
Sui - Mogao Caves, Cave 398, Upper Corner of the South Wall - Child Flying Apsaras
Sui - Mogao Caves, Cave 401, North Wall Niche Top - Flying Apsaras
Mature and Prosperous Period
Mainly the early and high Tang, middle and late Tang, and Five Dynasties periods (618-959 AD). During this period, the country was strong, and the creators' imagination was fully expressed. The figures also had more local characteristics. The flying apsaras played music and danced gracefully, full of charm and rhythm, making people feel free and happy!
Early Tang - Mogao Caves, Cave 322, West Wall Niche Top - Group of Flying Apsaras (1 Left) Partial View 1
Early Tang - Mogao Caves, Cave 321, West Wall Niche Top - Double Flying Apsaras
Early Tang - Mogao Caves, Cave 322, West Wall Niche Top - Flower-Scattering Flying Apsaras
High Tang - Mogao Caves, Cave 320, South Wall - Flower-Scattering Flying Apsaras
High Tang - Mogao Caves, Cave 39, West Wall Niche Inside - Flower-Offering Flying Apsaras
High Tang - Mogao Caves, Cave 148 - Six-Armed Flying Apsaras
Middle Tang - Mogao Caves, Cave 158 - Nirvana Sutra Flying Apsaras 1: Playing the Flute
Middle Tang - Mogao Caves, Cave 158 - Nirvana Sutra Flying Apsaras 3: Holding Beads
Five Dynasties - Mogao Caves, Cave 468, West Wall - Flower-Scattering Flying Apsaras
Standardization and Decline Period
Mainly the Song, Western Xia, and Yuan periods (960-1368 AD). This period was the late stage of the development of flying apsaras. The frequency of their appearance decreased significantly, and they no longer had the innovative and varied spirit of the Sui Dynasty or the enterprising spirit of the Tang Dynasty. Most flying apsaras were only colored on their ornaments, skirts, and scarves, with the main colors being stone green and ochre red, making the paintings appear elegant and simple. Although not as colorful, they still retained the graceful and lively beauty of the flying apsaras.
Song - Mogao Caves, Cave 76, North Wall - Pearl-Holding Flying Apsaras
Song - Yulin Caves, Cave 26, North Wall - Buddha's Canopy Flying Apsaras
Song - Mogao Caves, Cave 76, South Wall - Double Pearl-Holding Flying Apsaras
Western Xia - Yulin Caves, Cave 10, West Slope of the Ceiling - Music and Dance Flying Apsaras
Western Xia - Yulin Caves, Cave 10, West Slope of the Ceiling - Music and Dance Flying Apsaras
Western Xia - Mogao Caves, Cave 327, South Slope of the Ceiling - Flower-Offering Music and Dance Flying Apsaras
Yuan - Mogao Caves, Cave 3, South Wall - Flower-Adorned Flying Apsaras
Yuan - Mogao Caves, Cave 3, North Wall - Golden-Haired Flying Apsaras
