Study on the Subjects and Styles of Mural Paintings in the Kizil Grottoes of Xinjiang

Authors

  • Zhengyang Li

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/32spcs34

Keywords:

Kizil Grottoes, Mural Paintings, Buddhist Art, Themes, Style, Xinjiang

Abstract

The Kizil Caves, situated in Baili County within the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, rank among the most significant Buddhist sites along the historic Silk Road. The murals adorning these caves are not merely works of Buddhist art; they serve as invaluable resources for understanding the historical and cultural legacies of the Western Regions. This article delves into an in-depth examination of the themes and stylistic elements found in Kizil Cave murals, shedding light on their significance within Buddhist artistry and highlighting their rich characteristics reflecting multicultural fusion. These murals depict a wide range of themes, including narratives from Buddha's life, Jataka tales, stories exploring causal relationships, everyday secular activities, and decorative arts. Their artistic styles exhibit influences from Indian traditions, Central Asian motifs, and aspects derived from Han culture found in the Central Plains. Research findings underscore that the Kizil Cave murals hold remarkable artistic and historical significance; they encapsulate religious beliefs and social customs prevalent during that period while offering valuable insights into cultural interactions facilitated by the ancient Silk Road.

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References

[1] Yang J, Zhou Z, Lu T, et al. Investigation of gold gilding materials and techniques applied in the murals of Kizil Grottoes, **njiang, China[J]. Applied Sciences, 2022, 12(21): 11202.

[2] Li M H, Wu X Y. THE KIZIL GROTTOES: A TREASURE TROVE OF CHINESE CULTURAL HERITAGE[J]. American Journal of Arts and Communication, 2022, 7(4): 7-8.

[3] Yao R. Research on Digital Resources of Kizil Grottoes Art and MOOC Teaching[J]. Library Trends, 2023, 71(4): 533-549.

[4] Shen L, Yang J, Wang J, et al. Atacamite discolouration under the influence of arsenates in wall paintings in the Kizil Grottoes, **njiang, China[J]. Heritage Science, 2024, 12(1): 292.

[5] Morita M. The Kizil Paintings in the Metropolitan Museum[J]. Metropolitan Museum Journal, 2015, 50(1): 114-135.

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Published

21-01-2025

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Li, Z. (2025). Study on the Subjects and Styles of Mural Paintings in the Kizil Grottoes of Xinjiang. Highlights in Art and Design, 9(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.54097/32spcs34