Chamber of Young Snow and The University of Hong Kong Libraries Co-Host “Dreamlike Dunhuang: Recreating the Grandeur of Dunhuang” Exhibition

Chamber of Young Snow is collaborating for the first time with The University of Hong Kong Libraries to present the three-month “Dreamlike Dunhuang: Recreating the Grandeur of Dunhuang” exhibition. Running from June 7 to September 7 at HKU Libraries, the exhibition is now open to the public with free admission. This event is the result of joint, careful planning by the Dunhuang Academy, The University of Hong Kong Libraries, and Chamber of Young Snow, marking the first time Dunhuang Academy has partnered with both a Hong Kong higher education institution and a private organization to stage an exhibition.

The exhibition features 78 representative Dunhuang artworks (including sets), interpreted through six major themed sections:

• Unit 1: Silk Road Journeys
• Unit 2: Colors on the Wall
• Unit 3: Majestic Buddhist Palace
• Unit 4: The Human World in All Its Forms
• Unit 5: Treasures of the Stone Chamber
• Unit 6: Roaming the Pure Land

and is complemented by immersive digital film, showcasing the enduring craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Dunhuang’s caves over the millennia.
A major highlight is the “Majestic Buddhist Palace” section, which presents a full-scale, 1:1 precision replica of Mogao Cave 45 from Dunhuang—shown complete for the first time in Hong Kong. The replicated cave covers approximately 25 square meters and rises nearly 5 meters in height.

Inside the cave, all four walls and the caisson ceiling are adorned with Tang dynasty mural designs, including the cave’s signature tilted visual effect. The space also features seven unique polychrome sculptures, faithfully recreating the scene of the main Buddha seated in lotus posture on a Sumeru throne, surrounded on both sides by disciples, bodhisattvas, and heavenly kings as they listen to his teachings. The bodhisattva statues are especially notable, with elegant female forms, graceful “S”-shaped curves, gentle postures, subtly upturned lips, and lively, expressive eyes. In contrast, the statues of heavenly kings are robust and powerful, fully expressing their commanding presence.

On the third floor, the “Roaming the Pure Land” zone creates an immersive digital art experience that celebrates Dunhuang Buddhist art. In addition to murals depicting celestial beings and musical dance, a giant display animates “Dunhuang Mural Shadows,” where static mural figures are brought to life, “dancing” before the viewers. The exhibition also displays 10 unique caisson ceiling motifs from the Mogao Caves, presented as illuminated lightboxes suspended from the ceiling, with cushions below, inviting visitors to lie down and gaze upward—immersed in the rich visual variety of Dunhuang’s iconic caisson designs.

As a signature element of “The University of Hong Kong Libraries Chamber of Young Snow Culture Festival,” the exhibition is complemented by five public lectures, two cultural performances, and eight workshops—all 16 activities fully booked due to enthusiastic public response.

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