Nearly 100 reproduction paintings of Dunhuang murals that were created by Li Yuebo and Huo Xiufeng, researchers at the Dunhuang Research Academy and guest professors of Qinghai University, are on display at Shenzhen University’s art museum until March 24. Entry is free.
Visitors at the exhibition. Photos by Doria Nan
Dunhuang in Gansu Province is an oasis located at a religious and cultural crossroad on the Silk Road, an ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and the West. The Mogao Caves in Dunhuang is a Buddhist art site with one of the longest continuous histories, most intact and rich content, and the most exquisite artistry in the world.
A close shot of a reproduction painting at the exhibition.
With 735 caves, 45,000 square meters of murals, more than 2,000 colorful sculptures, and five Tang Dynasty- and Song Dynasty-style wood caves, the Mogao Caves record the development of Buddhism from the fourth to 14th centuries.
The various art forms such as architectures, sculptures, and murals reflect the interaction between Eastern and Western civilizations, the cultural blending between Han, the largest ethnic group in China, and other ethnicities, and vividly show the rich religions, traditions and customs of the past.
The Dunhuang murals have been eroded over the years, and many caves are closed to the public for protection purposes. Even if visitors are allowed to walk in, it is still difficult for them to appreciate every detail as the caves are made light-free to protect artifacts from light damage. Reproduction paintings of the artifacts, however, enable more people to fully appreciate the beauty of Dunhuang murals.
The exhibition shows paintings that Li and Huo copied during their work-stay in the Mogao Caves and Maijishan Grottoes. According to Huo, the mineral pigments used in copy works, such as ochre, vermilion and chessylite, are the same as the pigments used in the original murals to achieve the same oxidation in coloring.
The reproductions were painted in the same way as the murals and even faithfully reflect the murals’ aging. For example, the reproduction of a damaged mural in which Buddha’s eyes are missing reflect, that leaving the eye spaces blank.
A close shot of a reproduction painting at the exhibition.
However, the reproductions do fill in some innocuous scars and lines so as to maintain the paintings’ original integrity.
Generally, a person can copy one square meter of mural in 30 working days. These exhibited works are the result of years of efforts.
“Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara”
The sutra is an essential element of Dunhuang murals. “Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara” portrays a water-moon avalokiteshvara (the earthly manifestation of the self-born eternal Buddha Amitabha) leisurely sitting on a rock, portraying the mysterious and seductive realm of the avalokiteshvara.
“Musicians”
“Musicians” expresses the joy of the pure land through music and dance scenes, and also provides valuable materials for studying the history of music and dance. As people were not widely educated at that time, the murals served as a significant way to spread Buddhist doctrine. The story “A Deer of Nine Colors” and “Five Hundred Robbers Become Buddha” demonstrate the superb skills the ancient painting masters possessed, who were able to thoughtfully organize a story in a complete environment.
Dates: Until March 24
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Mondays
Venue: Art museum at Shenzhen University, Shennan Boulevard, Nanshan District (南山区深南大道深圳大学美术馆)
Metro: Line 1 to Shenzhen University Station (深大站), Exit A2