Or.8210/S.3326
manuscript, ink on paper
Overview
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Stein manuscript Dunhuang Star Chart
Date
649 to 684
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Measurement
height 24.4 centimetres, width 330 centimetres
Material
Language / script
Description
Scope and content : Chinese astronomical knowledge was excellent, as shown by this star chart from Dunhuang, probably dating to the early 8th century. The first twelve panels correspond to a complete coverage of the sky by zones centres on the equator. The final panel (shown here) is a circular chart of the North Pole region. 1,345 stars are shown in total, all of which three have been identified. They are grouped into asterisms, similar to constellations but far greater in number and some only containing one star. The early part fo the scroll consists of divination by cloud formations.
Institution
Historical information
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Find site identifier
DHMG.
Stein site number
Ch.85.XIII
Find site description
Short description : Mogao Caves near Dunhuang
References
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