“Dreamlike Dunhuang” Exhibition at HKU Libraries: Over 100 Artworks Highlight Its Magnificent Beauty

Today (June 25), Chamber of Young Snow and The University of Hong Kong Libraries jointly hold the “Dreamlike Dunhuang: Recreating the Grandeur of Dunhuang” exhibition, which has been open to the public on the 1st to 3rd floors of HKU Libraries since June 7 and will continue until September 7, with free admission. The exhibition features over 100 Dunhuang artworks, including Hong Kong’s first-ever hyper-realistic 1:1 scale replica of Mogao Cave 45, covering about 25 square meters and standing nearly 5 meters tall. Inside, Tang dynasty wall paintings and seven polychrome sculptures recreate the magnificent scene of the Buddha seated in lotus posture on a Sumeru throne, surrounded by bodhisattvas and heavenly kings.

All four walls within the cave are adorned with Tang dynasty murals, and the ceiling reproduces the cave’s original slanted visual illusion. Among the seven sculptures, the bodhisattva figures stand out, modeled on the female form and featuring elegant “S”-shaped curves, graceful bodies, subtly upturned lips, and lively, expressive eyes. In contrast, the heavenly king statues are robust and powerful, fully displaying their commanding presence. The exhibition is organized into six major themes and incorporates digital art animations and luminous suspended paintings, inviting visitors to lie down and appreciate the intricate mural details.

As the centerpiece of the “The University of Hong Kong Libraries Chamber of Young Snow Culture Festival,” the exhibition is complemented by five lectures, two cultural performances, and eight workshops—all 16 events are fully booked. Chamber of Young Snow was founded by Dr. Li Shicheng in 2016, aiming to promote cultural exchange between China and the West while continuing the Buddhist outreach mission established with the Buddhist Lodge of Laity in 2005. Dr. Li is an avid Chinese art collector, with a range from Han dynasty relics to contemporary pieces, and supports research at universities including HKU. As a host on Metro Finance Radio, he reaches an audience of 600,000, encouraging young people to explore culture through exhibitions and workshops.

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