A replica of a Qiuci mural by Wu Junsheng. [Photo/wzrb.com.cn]
The Wenzhou Museum launched the exhibition When Dong'ou Meets Kizil: A Cultural Symphony on the Silk Road on Aug 9, showcasing ancient Qiuci murals.
The exhibition features 11 replica murals from the Qiuci Caves and a full-scale replica of Kezil Grottoes' Cave 38. It offers the chance to experience the charm of the ancient Western Regions' music and dance, the unique Qiuci culture, and the richness of Chinese history.
Qiuci Grottoes, located on the northern edge of the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, are among China's oldest and most influential cave complexes. They flourished from the Han to the Tang dynasties (206 BC-AD 907), serving as a cultural bridge on the Silk Road.
Spanning from the 3rd to the 9th century, the exhibition uses advanced technology to bring these immovable murals to Wenzhou. While not as awe-inspiring as the original Qiuci Murals, the replicas retain much of their details and splendor.
Created by artists from the Xinjiang Kizil Cave Research Institute in the 1980s and 1990s, these replicas are now considered historical treasures. The murals, known for their unique diamond-shaped compositions, depict Buddhist art and local customs.
The exhibition also features Wenzhou Museum's collection, including Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) prints and Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) gold leaf inscriptions. This multi-faceted exhibition highlights Wenzhou's role as a hub on the Maritime Silk Road, showcasing its rich craftsmanship and thriving trade.
