HOME | DD

Description

The Celestial Maidens of Dunhuang, China are depicted in the sculpture, dance, literature, and painting of many Indian and Southeast Asian cultures.

They are traditionally described as celestial maidens living in Indra's heaven (Kaéndran).

In China, they are depicted as flying figures in the mural paintings and sculptures of Buddhist cave sites such as in the Mogao Caves, Yulin Caves, Tianlongshan grottoes, the Yungang, and Longmen Grottoes.

The Celestial Maidens are also known as apsaras, a type of female spirit of the clouds and waters, who later plays the role of a "nymph" or "fairy". They are depicted as divinely beautiful celestial maidens, pictured either in standing or in flying positions, usually holding lotus blossoms, spreading flower petals, or waving celestial clothes as if they were wings enabling them to fly.

The Celestial Maidens are also associated with the Star Festival in Japan, where they are known as the Celestial Weaver Maidens.

Description

The Celestial Maidens of Dunhuang, China are depicted in the sculpture, dance, literature, and painting of many Indian and Southeast Asian cultures.

They are traditionally described as celestial maidens living in Indra's heaven (Kaéndran).

In China, they are depicted as flying figures in the mural paintings and sculptures of Buddhist cave sites such as in the Mogao Caves, Yulin Caves, Tianlongshan grottoes, the Yungang, and Longmen Grottoes.

The Celestial Maidens are also known as apsaras, a type of female spirit of the clouds and waters, who later plays the role of a "nymph" or "fairy". They are depicted as divinely beautiful celestial maidens, pictured either in standing or in flying positions, usually holding lotus blossoms, spreading flower petals, or waving celestial clothes as if they were wings enabling them to fly.

The Celestial Maidens are also associated with the Star Festival in Japan, where they are known as the Celestial Weaver Maidens.