Interior of the “secret library” found in the limes near Dunhuang by Aurel Stein.

My main character, Tando, visits this place where Stein found a copy of the oldest known printed manuscript, ”The Diamond Sutra.”

Below-Left: A typical coin from the T’ang period. Note the central hole allowing multiple coins to be bundled on leather cords.

Tando paid the Amban of Charkhalik with coins like this.

Below: Qamo horns used in the lotus festival ceremony at the Kizil Caves.