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Virginia Tech

Renaissance of the Mogao Grotto

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

Dunhuang, an oasis city in the desert, preserved the flourishing, vanished and renaissance of the Silk Road in the past two thousand years. Due to the significant position located at the nodes of the routes on the Silk Road, Dunhuang has experienced a variety of cultural influences. Given its cruel desert climate where caravans were threatened by unpredictable dangers, Dunhuang became a religious center, especially for the development of Buddhism. Mogao Grotto is forever a shining pearl of Dunhuang. There are a total of 735 caves that have been identified and stretch the length of a 5578-feet cliff, which includes the 492 grottoes decorated with mural and statues in the southern section. It began being constructed around the 4th century and remained under construction for more than 1000 years. Renaissance of the Mogao Grotto is an exhibition designed to use digital media and traditional drawing to re-create the ancient cave art in Northwest China. These virtual representations enhance the experience of real visitors of the cave, allowing them to discover the history of the caves. In particular, the 3D visualization environment of Cave 275, one of the oldest existing caves in Mogao Grotto, is a strong immersive experience for audiences to appreciate the delicate Buddhist cave art. At the same time, all traditional works, such as drawing, sketching, photos, audio, and video illustrate the understanding of Mogao cave art in modern aspects. Re-exhibits powerfully demonstrate the heritage of Asian culture in multi-approaches, which are a special opportunity for visitors to experience and witness the treasure of Chinese culture.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Fine Arts
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Creative Technologies
Department dc:contributor.department
Art and Art History
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
2018

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Liu, Yang
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Webster, Dane
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Paterson, Simone W.
  • Tucker, Thomas J.
  • Sim, Deborah A.

Subjects

dc:subject × 4

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
vt_gsexam:14745
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/83847

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Liu, Yang. Renaissance of the Mogao Grotto. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/83847