Archaeological Sites of Architecture in Xinjiang, China

Author: (Russia) Duting, translated by He Wenjin and Fang Jiuzhong, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-08-01
Features: In May 1914, led by Academician Odenburg, the Russian expedition team traveled from Tacheng, Qitai, Urumqi, Turpan, Hami to Dunhuang in Gansu, China, conducting detailed studies of the cave murals and painted sculptures. They meticulously carried out photography, sketches, paintings, surveying, archaeological excavations, and documentation. As an important member of the team, the author, painter and photographer Duting, was primarily responsible for the photography and drawing during the field surveys. The content of this book began to be serialized in Russia's Journal of Architectural Art in February 1916 and was later compiled into a limited number of standalone copies. The book describes the ancient architectural ruins in the Yanqi and Turpan regions of Xinjiang, China, divided into two parts: Seven-Star Constellation and Turpan Prefecture. It serves as primary source material for studying the cultural heritage of the Western Regions. The photographs and survey maps taken at the time, including the drawn floor plans and cross-sections of the cave temples, are highly valuable and precious resources. This book is the first Chinese translation in ninety years.