Scrap snaps (#2)
Photography is forbidden in the Dunhuang grottoes, and under the close supervision of the mandatory tour, this prohibition is strictly enforced. Photography is also forbidden in the adjacent Mogaoku Museum …
The spine of the museum consists of a row of (extremely impressive) cave reconstructions, sampled from among the 492 decorated caves at the site. (A two-hour tour of the site takes in perhaps 10.)
The following images are of reconstructions, not originals. The photographic quality is especially dire, given the unusual lighting conditions and cramped space. What I’m posting here is what I’ve got. (Click on images to expand.)
Cave 003:
Cave 217 (one of the most renowned caves, whose images — disputedly — convey scenes and stories from the Lotus Sutra):
Cave 275:
Cave 419:
[…] By admin […]
Posted on April 13th, 2014 at 6:17 am | QuoteIn that dim lighting, it’s hard to tell at a glance whether the images depict the Buddha or the Blessed Virgin. This pleases me.
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fotrkd Reply:
April 13th, 2014 at 11:31 pm
Seeing and seeing as… ducks and rabbits.
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admin Reply:
April 14th, 2014 at 10:08 am
Have to agree that (for a Western observer, at least) the Madonna echoes of the cave #419 tableau are remarkable.
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I wonder why Buddha called you into the caves?
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Posted on April 24th, 2014 at 4:27 pm | Quote