Dunhuang Art Aesthetics

Author: Yi Cunguo
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: The book centers on the art of Dunhuang murals, combining architecture, sculpture, music, dance, and "Bianwen" (storytelling performances) to explore the aesthetic pursuits of Dunhuang art. It conducts in-depth analysis and research from both vertical (tracing origins) and horizontal (distinguishing disciplines) perspectives. Dr. Yi Cunguo's postdoctoral research report, "Aesthetic Studies of Dunhuang Art," is an outstanding achievement long anticipated and awaited by the Dunhuang studies community. Although this report represents an attempt at interdisciplinary research combining Dunhuang studies, artology, and aesthetics, it holds significant value in filling gaps within these fields. As a "new trend in world academia" that emerged in the early 20th century, Dunhuang studies, despite nearly a century of development and achieving remarkable results through the collaborative efforts of scholars both in China and abroad, still suffers from major flaws that directly hinder its progress: (1) incomplete systematic structure; (2) severely lagging theoretical development; (3) relatively weak research on the history of the discipline. In recent years, the Dunhuang studies community has begun to recognize these issues and has made efforts, proposing the slogan "Return of Dunhuang Studies (to related disciplines)" in hopes of achieving breakthroughs through enhanced interdisciplinary research. This report, centered on Dunhuang mural art and guided by aesthetic inquiry, covers a wide range of fields such as sculpture, architecture, musical dance, and literature. It attempts to construct a unique "Dunhuang aesthetics," contributing positively to the theoretical development of the discipline while striving to describe and refine the "systematic structure of Dunhuang studies." It emphasizes the analysis of cultural origins and integration, as well as the harmonious fusion of traditional Chinese literary theory and Western aesthetic theory. By grasping the core value of Dunhuang art's distinctive style, it systematically organizes aesthetic concepts. This is truly commendable.
—Chai Jianhong
The mysterious Mogao Caves are a treasure of Chinese art aesthetics and a sacred site for mural art in China. This book, centered on Dunhuang mural art and guided by aesthetic inquiry, covers a wide range of fields such as sculpture, architecture, musical dance, and literature, presenting us with a rare and invaluable scroll of Dunhuang aesthetics. Written by a postdoctoral researcher at Fudan University, this academic work holds significance in filling gaps within related disciplines. The book centers on Dunhuang mural art, combining architecture, sculpture, music, dance, and "Bianwen" to explore the aesthetic pursuits of Dunhuang art. It conducts in-depth analysis and research from vertical (tracing origins) and horizontal (distinguishing disciplines) perspectives, proposing a series of innovative insights. Although an academic work, it is engaging to read. The author employs passionate and dynamic language, blending history, culture, art, aesthetics, folklore, and imagery into a compelling and visually striking narrative. Beyond its academic value, the book is also a highly aesthetic and readable work. Its main features lie in its innovation, (frontier nature), and overall comprehensiveness.