Mogao Cave 407

Mogao Cave No.407 was constructed in Sui Dynasty (581-618AD). The well known part is the Ceiling Center with a Three-rabbit Design in Wonderful Workmanship Excelling Nature. This cave has a square main chamber and a truncated pyramidal ceiling in shape. The west niche has a seven-figure group, which were restored in the Qing Dynasty. However, the mandorla with flame motifs, the musicians on the niche ceiling and the decoration of the niche lintel are very passionate. The ceiling center is a motif of three rabbits encircled by a double-layered eight-petal lotus. The three rabbits share only three ears and follow each other in an everlasting circle, yet each rabbit has two ears. Around the lotus are eight flying apsarasas holding celestial flowers or extending two arms. Outside s a square frame of red ground and white border dotted with lozenge looking harmonious and elegant. This decoration design is often seen in the Sui and Tang brocades. Outside the square frame are motifs of pendent triangular valance dotted with elliptical lotuses. This is one of the most characteristic ceiling designs in the Sui dynasty.