“Dreamlike Dunhuang: Recreating the Grandeur of Dunhuang” Exhibition Open at HKU Libraries Until September

The “Dreamlike Dunhuang: Recreating the Grandeur of Dunhuang” exhibition is being held at The University of Hong Kong Libraries from this month through September 7, with free admission for the public. Meticulously curated by the Dunhuang Academy, The University of Hong Kong Libraries, and Chamber of Young Snow, this event marks the first collaboration between the Dunhuang Academy, a Hong Kong higher education institution, and a private organization.

The exhibition features 78 representative pieces or sets of Dunhuang artworks, 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
Immersive digital films are also presented, highlighting the enduring ingenuity and cultural vitality of Dunhuang’s cave art across a millennium.

A major highlight within the “Majestic Buddhist Palace” section is the first full-scale, 1:1 precision replica of Mogao Cave 45 ever exhibited in Hong Kong. The replicated cave covers about 25 square meters and rises nearly 5 meters high.

Inside, all four walls and the caisson ceiling are embellished with Tang dynasty mural designs. The ceiling recreates the signature slanted visual effect found in the historical cave. Seven unique polychrome sculptures are also featured, faithfully restoring the revered Buddhist scene: the principal Buddha, seated in lotus posture on a Sumeru throne, is surrounded by disciples, bodhisattvas, and heavenly kings. The bodhisattva statues are particularly notable for their female-inspired forms, gentle “S”-shaped curves, soft postures, subtly upturned lips, and vivid, expressive eyes. In contrast, the heavenly king statues exude dynamic power and vigor.

On the third floor, the “Roaming the Pure Land” area offers an immersive digital art experience capturing the Dunhuang Buddhist style. In addition to murals featuring celestial beings and musical dance, a large display plays “Dunhuang Mural Shadows,” where static mural scenes are brought to life and “dance” before the audience. The exhibition also includes 10 unique caisson ceiling designs from the Mogao Caves, illuminated and suspended from the ceiling, with floor cushions below so visitors can recline and fully absorb the rich visual effects of Dunhuang’s caissons.

As a major feature of “The University of Hong Kong Libraries Chamber of Young Snow Culture Festival,” the exhibition is joined by five public lectures, two cultural performances, and eight workshops, with all 16 events fully booked due to enthusiastic public response.

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