Dunhuang: Buddhist Art at the Gateway of the Silk Road

The China Institute presents an exhibition that addresses the art and ritual practices of the Northern dynasties (420–589) and Tang dynasty (618–907).

Dunhuang, the western gateway to China, is one of the world’s most esteemed art shrines and cultural heritage sites. Dunhuang: Buddhist Art at the Gateway of the Silk Road will address art and ritual practices of the Northern dynasties (420–589) and Tang dynasty (618–907). The exhibition will feature excavated artworks, high relief clay figures, wooden sculptures, silk banners, and molded bricks. A group of treasured Buddhist sutras from the famous Cangjingdong (The Hidden Library Cave) will illustrate the story behind Dunhuang’s historic discovery. A magnificent replica of the eigth century cave that houses the beautiful Bodhisattva of the Mogao Grottoes and an illustrious central pillar from the sixth century will also be prominently displayed to recall the actual cave setting.