Cave lintels and Longmen Grottoes
Updated: 2015-10-22
The decorative patterns of cave lintels in Longmen Grottoes belong to an important category of decorations in the treasure house of ancient Buddhist cave art.
A cave, or grotto in Longmen, is the space to enshrine the Buddha. The cave lintel refers to the horizontal beam that supports the weight above the door of the cave.
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The lintel of Lianhua Cave was decorated with the flame grain, which is most usually seen in Longmen. It is the most intact decorative pattern among all the lintels. [Photo / Longmen Grottoes on WeChat] |
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The lintel of Huoshao Cave, which was excavated during the Northern Wei Dynasty (AD 386-534), is quite unusual among the grotto lintels nationwide. There is a vase inserted with three lotus flowers in the center of the flame pattern. [Photo / Longmen Grottoes on WeChat] |
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The lintel decoration of Huangfu Gong Grotto is quite a luxurious lineup, with seven sitting Buddha in the center and two flying Apsaras in the upper two sides. [Photo / Longmen Grottoes on WeChat] |
