Discuss how the Mogao Cave 275 was the product of Silk Road Cultural Interaction.
Abstract
This study examines Mogao Cave 275 in Dunhuang, constructed during China’s Northern Liang Dynasty (397–495 CE), as a prime example of cultural exchange along the Silk Road. The cave’s location in a fragile mountainous area dictated the use of murals, statues, and distinctive architectural styles, reflecting diverse influences from Central Asia, India, and Persia. Through an analysis of the Maitreya Buddha statue, its posture, and iconography, the paper highlights parallels with Gandharan and Xinjiang art, while also tracing Chinese architectural features in the Que-style niches. Additionally, donor portraits in ethnic attire capture Silk Road communities’ cultural diversity and intermingling. By focusing on these elements, the study reveals Mogao Cave 275 as a symbol of Silk Road multiculturalism, integrating religious and artistic traditions across Eurasia.
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