Ink Rhythm and Cultural Context - Gansu Silk Road Art Treasures Exhibition

In March, a grand "Gansu Silk Road Art Treasures Exhibition" was held at the National Art Museum of China. This exhibition was like a window to history, attracting the attention of countless visitors. The exhibition is divided into two parts: "Painting and Sculpture" and "Books and Carvings". The exhibits are rich, including painted pottery, bamboo slips, silk books and various sculptures. This is not only an artistic display, but also a tracing of history, conveying ancient culture to every audience through a modern perspective. "Painting and Sculpture in Tongguang" focuses on the sculpture and painting art of Gansu, especially showing the vivid portrayal of human and animal images. These exquisite portrayals seem to make various people and animals walk out of history, full of rich cultural connotations. The sculptures and paintings in this exhibition area complement each other, and the experiencer feels like walking in the long river of history. In this part of the exhibition, there are also copies of works by many artists on display. They went to Dunhuang and copied the Dunhuang murals, making positive contributions to the protection and preservation of Dunhuang art. These artists absorb the essence of traditional culture and create many works of art with a modern feel. The "Listening to the sermon" copied by artist Han Leran from Mogao Grottoes is a continuation and inheritance of ancient art, integrating the expressive language of modern art to make the work more expressive. This exhibition has many highlights and is full of excitement. It will lead the audience into the Gansu Silk Road, feel the charm of the ancient Silk Road culture and art, and explore the unsolved mysteries of history. The "Painting and Sculpture in Tongguang" exhibition is located on the third floor of the National Art Museum of China and will last until June 3, 2025. Figure 2: Painted terracotta figurines leading horses Tang Dynasty, Collection of Gansu Museum Figure 3: Standing warrior figurines Tang Dynasty, Collection of Dunhuang Research Institute Figure 4: Heavenly King Figurines Tang Figure 5: Standing male figurine Northern Dynasties, Collection of Dunhuang Academy Figure 6: Ink-painted wooden dancing figurines Chinese Figure 7: Three-color female horseback terracotta warrior Tang Dynasty, Collection of Gansu Provincial Museum Figure 8: Painted wooden Liubo figurine Han Dynasty Collection of Gansu Provincial Museum Figure 9: Tang Dynasty Musicians in Dunhuang Murals Chinese Painting 1945 Author: Lu Shi Collection of National Art Museum of China Figure 10: Dunhuang Cave No. 84 Mural Painting Watercolor and pastel, 1943 Author: Wu Zuoren Collection of National Art Museum of China Figure 11: Copy of Cave 172 of Mogao Grottoes The Sutra of Contemplation of the Buddha of Infinite Life Chinese Painting 1946 Author: Chang Shana Collection of National Art Museum of China Figure 12: Sketch of Listening to the Sermon (Begging for Alms) Mogao Grottoes Cave 257 Oil painting 1946 Author: Han Lecai Collection of National Art Museum of China Figure 13: (Left) Brick carving of a sheng (a Chinese sheng instrument) Liao Dynasty, Gansu Provincial Museum (Right) Carved brick with female figures Liao Dynasty, Gansu Provincial Museum Figure 14: Woodcarved horse head Han Dynasty Collection of Gansu Provincial Museum Figure 15: The brick with a portrait of a filial son weeping at a funeral Song Dynasty, Collection of Gansu Provincial Museum Figure 16: Cave 329 of Mogao Grottoes Lotus Flying Caisson Author: Shi Weixiang Dunhuang Academy Collection Figure 17: (right) The phoenix brick on the left Five Dynasties, Collection of Dunhuang Research Institute (Left) Flying dragon brick on the left Five Dynasties, Collection of Dunhuang Research Institute Figure 18: Copy of Cave 243 of Mogao Grottoes Northern Wei Dynasty murals (Cave 257) Author: Lu is Chinese Painting 1942 Collection of National Art Museum of China Figure 19: Standing Bodhisattva Tang Dynasty, Collection of Dunhuang Research Institute Address: National Art Museum of China No. 1, Wusi Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (No admission after 16:00) Closed on Mondays