Dunhuang Caisson: A Condensed Universe of Splendor in the Dome

In the realm of Dunhuang aesthetics, the caisson is an indispensable visual language. It is intricate yet orderly, vibrant yet profound, captivating viewers with its strong sense of order and mysterious implications.

The term "caisson" can be traced back to Han dynasty literature, initially inspired by the structural forms of ancient cave dwellings. It not only reflects feng shui principles but also became a unique decorative form for the ceilings of prestigious buildings—during the Tang dynasty, it was even mandated that only the residences of nobility could feature heavy caissons, marking a symbol of status in the feudal hierarchy.

In Dunhuang, caisson art has carved its own path. It simplifies the forms of central plain caissons found in the Central Plains, combining them with the dome structure of the caves to create a unique composition: tapering upwards, with a square center adorned with lotus flowers and motifs of three rabbits, extending diagonally at the edges. When one gazes upward, the visual tension radiating from the center creates a sense of vastness and depth, akin to looking into the sky, evoking a profound artistic conception.

Dunhuang caissons are not merely decorative; they represent a readable universe suspended in the air.