Refining the theoretical framework of modern Chinese sculpture: Insights from buddhist imagery in the longmen grottoes

A comparative analysis of Buddhist sculptures at the Longmen Grottoes reveals profound influences on Chinese aesthetics, sculptural styles, and carving techniques from the Northern Dynasties to the Tang Dynasty. The study highlights how religious symbolism, formal characteristics, and relief techniques evolved in tandem with cultural dynamics, providing insights into the interplay between religious thought and artistic expression. By examining representative figures such as Buddha, Bodhisattva, and flying apsaras, researchers demonstrate a framework for understanding the development of Chinese sculpture with distinct local characteristics.

Zhang, K., & Abdullah, M. F. W. b. (2026). Refining the theoretical framework of modern Chinese sculpture: Insights from buddhist imagery in the longmen grottoes. Cogent Arts & Humanities, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311983.2025.2610110