Dunhuang, this sacred sanctuary that embodies the fusion of Eastern and Western civilizations, stands as both a witness to history and a dreamweaver of art. Here, the wisdom of the Buddha intertwines with the prayers of mortals, giving rise to an artistic universe where reality and illusion coexist... For years, Dunhuang has captivated global visitors and history enthusiasts with its rich and enigmatic allure. In Hong Kong, the cultural fervor for Dunhuang remains undiminished.
Co-organized for the first time by the Chamber of Young Snow and the University of Hong Kong Libraries, "Dreamlike Dunhuang: Recreating the Grandeur of Dunhuang" Exhibition is currently on display at the Main Library, drawing crowds of citizens despite the sweltering summer heat. This also marks the first collaborative exhibition between the Dunhuang Academy and a Hong Kong higher education institution alongside a private organization.
Elliot Suen, Executive Director of Chamber of Young Snow, explained that to help Hong Kong audiences better appreciate Dunhuang's sacred beauty, the exhibition features 78 representative Dunhuang artworks divided into six thematic sections, complemented by an immersive digital film showcasing the millennium-old craftsmanship of the Dunhuang caves and the enduring vitality of its cultural legacy.
Suen noted, "Each section highlights distinct content. For instance, one of them unveils Dunhuang's mysterious and ancient history, another one explores the pigments and color origins of Dunhuang murals, while there is still one that presents exquisite replica murals, including a 1:1 reproduction of Cave 45 from the Mogao Grottoes."
Cave 45, one of the most representative Tang Dynasty caves in Dunhuang's Mogao Grottoes, spans approximately 25 square meters and stands nearly 5 meters tall. Its walls and ceiling (caisson) are adorned with Tang-era mural designs, featuring a visually sloping roof and seven uniquely crafted painted sculptures. The centerpiece is a seated Buddha atop a Sumeru throne, flanked by disciples, bodhisattvas, and heavenly kings in a grand assembly. The bodhisattva sculptures, modeled after feminine forms with graceful "S"-shaped curves, delicate features, and subtly upturned lips, exude ethereal charm. In contrast, the heavenly kings embody majestic strength and vigor.
Celebrating the art of flying apsaras and caisson ceilings
Suen added that the third-floor exhibition zone immersively showcases Dunhuang's Buddhist artistic style through flying apsaras and musical-dance murals. The flying apsaras, originating in India and transmitted via the Silk Road, gradually fused with Chinese mythological immortals, evolving from the robust Gandharan style to the celestial elegance of Central Plains artistry.
Emphasizing musicality and dance, these apsaras are often depicted playing instruments or mid-movement. Over 270 Mogao caves feature nearly 6,000 flying apsaras, their dynamic patterns adorning murals and creating a "fluttering heavenly robes, walls alive with motion" aesthetic that epitomizes the beauty of Chinese celestial art.
Additionally, the exhibition displays 10 unique Mogao caisson ceiling patterns, illuminated in lightboxes suspended overhead. Viewers are invited to recline on floor cushions and gaze upward, immersing themselves in the intricate visuals. Among these, the Lion-Lotus Caisson from Cave 85 exemplifies late Tang Dynasty artistry, with its central motif of a lotus-encircled lion surrounded by pearls, floral clusters, fretwork, rhombuses, scrolling vines, and tasseled drapes—showcasing the era's ornate and layered decorative style.
Spirit of Dunhuang
Suen emphasized that the Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site meeting multiple criteria for cultural significance, embody a core ethos of "perseverance in the desert, selfless dedication, courage to shoulder responsibility, and pioneering progress." This spirit, he believes, will resonate deeply with Hong Kong's citizens.
He also noted that the exhibition holds profound significance for Hong Kong.
"First, it strengthens Hong Kong's role as a global crossroads by leveraging Chinese culture to foster East-West dialogue. Second, it encourages young Hongkongers to rediscover their city's identity as a hub for cultural synthesis, serving national development while contributing to global civilizational exchange. Third, by deepening local roots and nurturing appreciation for diversity, the exhibition mirrors Dunhuang's legacy—absorbing foreign influences (from Buddhism to Hellenistic art) while retaining a distinctly Chinese essence, offering a historical blueprint for building a shared human future."
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalist: Ding Ning; English Editor: Darius)
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