DunHuang Grottoes 敦煌石窟


The construction of DunHuang Grottoes started around 360AD and lasted over a thousand years. Buddhaists transformed hundreds of caves into temples and decorated them lavishly with murals and scupltures. They imported art styles from India and mid-east. They captured ancient Chinese arts not existent anywhere else. They recorded historical customs, fashion, and even music. You can see the transformation of Buddhaism from an Indian religion into a Chinese one. You can see the evolution of artistic styles over a century. You can glimpse the working of ancient societies. It is no less than a world-class wonder.

National Art Museum of China (NAMOC, 中国美术馆) is exhibiting some wonderfully made replicates. Do not let the word replicate discourage you. These are replication painstakingly done over 50 years ago by highly skilled artists. It was an once-in-a-lifetime project to replicate those arts. Walking into the exhibit room, you will think you have been transported to the real cave. If you have seen any of the Indiana Jones movies, it is as hair-raising as real.

The exhibit ends on March 21st. Take half a day off to avoid the weekend crowd. Do a bit homework to appreciate them more. It is definitely worth the 20rmb ticket and your time.


敦煌石窟自公元360左右开始后达千年。佛教徒开洞建庙,壁画槊像,达数百窟。工匠从印度及中东引进新技法,留下中国别处都失传的艺术,也记录了当代的习俗,服装,甚至音乐。在此,可以看到佛教转入中国,艺术的演变,古代的社会。这是世界级的瑰宝。美术馆正在展临摹品。别看不起临摹品,它们都以五六十年了。当年都是高手细心做出来的。不可能再做了。走进展览室,如临其境。像看法柜骑兵电影般毛骨耸然。这特展三月21结束。请半天假避开周末人潮。做点功课会更能体会些。绝对值20元的票价和半天的时间的。

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