Lotus Caisson Bookmark

Patterns of Grape Lotus

Ceiling of Mogao Cave 387
Early Tang Dynasty

The caisson is a square decoration in the center of the top of the bucket-shaped cave in Dunhuang Grottoes. It is generally composed of three parts: the well center, the outside decoration of the well, and the hanging curtain. Because of the exquisite and unique patterns of these caisson wells, they have become one of the important contents of Dunhuang Grottoes art.

In the center of caisson, four-leaf lotus flowers are painted with curling cloud patterns, surrounded by grape patterns. The decorations around the caisson still maintain the style of the Sui Dynasty, except for the grape-wrapped branches.