Gallery


	Images related to the setting, religion and culture that form the background of Taklamakan.

A segment of a wall painting found in the Kizil Caves where Nala participated in the “Lotus Festival.”

The paintings were often comissioned by wealthy families and ministers. They were painted by unnamed artists who would live at the cave site while the work was in progress.

The paintings depict images of the Buddha and other figures from the panoply of Buddhist religion.

Below: A Tibetan woodslip used for sending messages over long distance...


	While it is doubtful that our computer disks or hard drive files will survive intact for more than a few years or decades, the Tibetan woods can still be read after a thousand years!


Tagla Membar, a firey diety or demon spirit believed to prowl the wild lands in search of errant souls. Artuk uses the inherent fear of such spirits to cow the Tebu clansmen when he is first sent to visit the Tark in Charchan.

		VISIT GALLERY PAGE 2

	The Three “traders” who meet with Tando in Chapter 1 of Khan Tengri are shown in this image depicting typical dress of the period.


	This image shows how the mountains and hills were delved out to create temple sites and holy places on the fringes of the desert. (Turfan area)


		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.