The Sinicization of Dunhuang Mogao Cave Buddhist Art

The Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, China, serve as a visual record of the sinicization process of Indian Buddhism, illustrating how Chinese culture assimilated foreign elements while maintaining its distinct identity. The study highlights the fusion of traditional Han Chinese architectural and artistic styles with Indian Buddhist motifs, such as stupas integrated into wooden structures, reflecting a dynamic cultural exchange during the turbulent period following the collapse of the Han Dynasty (220 AD). Murals and sculptures in Caves 257 and 428 demonstrate this syncretism, including multi-story stupas surrounded by smaller ones, symbolizing the growing complexity and sacred value of Buddhist architecture. The research underscores the rapid acceptance of Chinese Buddhism across East Asia, despite initial resistance to Indian philosophical traditions.

Katsuaki, Ō. (2014). The Sinicization of Dunhuang Mogao Cave Buddhist Art. International Journal of Korean History, 19(1), 47–66. https://doi.org/10.22372/ijkh.2014.19.1.47