Research On Niche Lintel Decorative Pattern In The Mogao Grottos From Northern Dynasties To Sui Dynasty

The cusped arches of Buddha niche in The Mogao Grottoes between Northern dynasties and Sui dynasty are rich in lintel decorative patterns,of which the inheritance relationship is clear.These lintels patterns are of great art values,historical importance and uniqueness.Lintel decorative patterns during this period are transfroming into multiple patterns,such as lotus pattern,honeysuckle pattern,fire pattern,the Huasheng pattern and birds pattern from fire theme with simplicity.Lotus pattern is a symbolic and allegorical decorative pattern which is often found in decorative patterns all over the world.And it often represents life,fertility,aminism in sun,graves,light in Buddha world,and resurrection.Honeysuckle pattern,a popular decorative pattern in lintel decoration,is controversial in its origin.One of the most recognized view is that honeysuckle pattern originated from tendrils patterns of Greek plants,was introduced into China by Indian Buddha arts,and then mixed with Chinese local patterns of cloud and finally generated with obvious Chinese style.And such ornaments were often applied in Buddha art masterpieces such as The Mogao Grottoes,Yungang Caves,Longmen Caves and Gongxian Caves.Meanwhile,fire ornament pattern are ubiquitous in lintel decorative patterns.Fire pattern in Mogaoku is believed to be based on "Yanjian Buddha",and then mixed with Chinese Cloud-Air(Yun-Qi)patterns and multicultural honeysuckle patterns.And such ornament pattern is often seen as symbol of divinity such as Buddha wisdom and enlightment.Huasheng is another favorite decorative pattern,which is often found in Lotus-origin contents such as Buddha born in lotus,Bodhisattva in The Mogao Grottoes.Moreover,birds pattern is also component of Buddism paintings on animals,most of which originate from Buddism lores.And these patterns are of simplicity and reality,usually found in lintel decorative patterns in The Mogao Grottoes during Northern dynasties.