The three-dimensional patterns of lotus petals in the Mogao Caves are characterized by petals that turn up at the tops and are organized in successive arcs. This pattern was very popular in both Chang’an and Luoyang in the periods ruled by Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian during the Tang dynasty and gradually declined after Wu Zetian’s period of reign. An identical process of development can be observed at the Mogao caves beginning in the second phase of the early Tang dynasty.Following this period, the form of using petals as an integral lotus flower declined in popularity and was replaced in the third phase of the early Tang dynasty by the petals or leaves of the flower being positioned at the center of curling vines.
