Dunhuang Grottoes Collection 19: Animal Scroll Paintings

Author: Donghai Research Institute, Chief Editor/Liu Yuquan, Chief Editor
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-06-01
Features: This scroll is Volume 19 of The Complete Collection of Dunhuang Grottoes, titled Animal Scrolls. The volume collects a rich variety of animal images, including realistic animals and legendary auspicious creatures; birds and beasts; works in realistic style and exaggerated, expressive style; secular animal depictions and patterned designs. In summary, this scroll records typical scenes and styles of animal imagery in the Dunhuang Grottoes since the Northern and Southern Dynasties. These long-preserved ancient paintings are extremely valuable primary sources. They themselves serve as an indispensable textbook for the history of ancient Chinese art. The animal designs and color applications in this volume exhibit the distinctive characteristics of Dunhuang art.
Animal paintings in the Dunhuang Grottoes can be broadly categorized into three types: first, realistic animals depicted as subjects; second, auspicious creatures from mythology; and third, decorative patterns for architecture. The architectural decorative patterns are covered in The Pattern Collection of The Complete Collection of Dunhuang Grottoes. This volume focuses primarily on realistic animals. These animal paintings display clear stylistic and regional characteristics. Tracing their origins, some styles were transmitted from the Central Plains, while others came from the Western Regions (Tianzhu). There are both meticulous brushwork and freehand techniques; both line drawings and unlined, heavily colored works. Some of these techniques were not used in isolation, resulting in a harmonious blend of strength and subtlety. Although modern anatomical systems for animal paintings had not yet been established at the time, careful observation and rich life experience allowed artists to gain a deeper understanding of animal anatomy, particularly in conveying emotions through animal appearances. The skilled lines and vibrant colors all reflect vitality, embodying the praise for life by the Dunhuang painters. This is the essence of the artistic spirit we still pursue today, and it is also the inspiration left by history.