Overlapping Heavens in the Wall Paintings of Mogao Cave 285 at Dunhuang: An Art-Historical Study of the Syncretistic Images on Its West Wall and Ceiling

Mogao Cave 285 at Dunhuang, dated to 538/539 CE, exemplifies a unique Sino-Buddhist-Indian syncretism through its wall paintings. Iconographical analysis reveals that the cave was designed as a visual space where images carried multiple meanings, catering to diverse religious affiliations. This syncretistic approach, likely influenced by Northern Wei ideological trends and promoted by governor Yuan Rong, served as a diplomatic tool to foster unity among Dunhuang's multiethnic population, including Hephthalite donor groups depicted on the northern wall. The cave's visual bricolage of heavenly motifs created an aesthetic-cognitive experience that allowed for constant reinterpretation of cosmological notions by visitors.

Hiyama, S. (2022). Overlapping Heavens in the Wall Paintings of Mogao Cave 285 at Dunhuang: An Art-Historical Study of the Syncretistic Images on Its West Wall and Ceiling. Overlapping Cosmologies in Asia, 257–280. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004511675_012