Reproduced images of murals from the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang in northwestern Gansu Province are on display at Shenzhen University.

    The murals in the caves date from the 5th to the 14th century, and many earlier ones were repainted at later points within the period. The murals are extensive, covering an area of 46,000 square meters. The most fully painted caves have paintings all over the walls and ceilings, with geometric or plant decorations filling the spaces not taken by figurative images.

    The murals are valued for the scale and richness of content as well as their artistry. Buddhist subjects are most common, however some have traditional mythical subjects and portraits of patrons. These murals document the changing styles of Buddhist art in China for nearly a thousand years.

    A common motif in many caves is the areas entirely covered by rows of small seated Buddha figures, after which this and other “Thousand Buddhas Caves” are named. These small Buddhas were drawn using stencils so that identical figures may be replicated. Flying apsaras, or celestial beings may be depicted on the ceiling or above the Buddhas, and figures of donors may be shown along the bottom of the walls. The paintings often depict jataka tales which are stories of the life of Buddha, or avadana which are parables of the doctrine of karma.

    While Buddhist art is stylistically distinct from secular art, the styles in the caves often reflect that of contemporary secular paintings, especially those depicting secular scenes. Donor figures are generally depicted in secular style, and may include secular events associated with them.

    Dates: Until March 1 (Closed Mondays and Jan. 14-Feb. 19)

    Open: 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 2-5 p.m.

    Venue: Gallery in Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Boulevard, Nanshan District (南山区南海大道3688号深圳大学美术馆)

    Metro: Line 1, Shenzhen University Station (深大站), Exit C(SD News)