April 19 – July 21, 2013

Dunhuang, the western gateway to China, is one of the world's most esteemed art shrines and cultural heritage sites. Dunhuang: Buddhist Art at the Gateway of the Silk Road addresses art and ritual practices of the Northern dynasties (420-589) and the Tang dynasty (618-907). The exhibition features excavated art works, high relief clay figures, wooden sculpture, silk banners, and molded bricks. A group of treasured Buddhist sutras from the famous Cangjingdong (The Library Cave) illustrate the story behind Dunhuang's historic discovery. Magnificent replicas of a 6th-century central pillar and an 8th-century cave allow visitors to experience the actual cave setting.

This exhibition is organized by China Institute Gallery and Dunhuang Academy under the direction of Willow Weilan Hai Chang and is curated by Fan Jinshi, Director of Dunhuang Academy.

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This exhibition is made possible, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and by the generous support of the Asian Cultural Council, Blakemore Foundation, the E. Rhodes & Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, the Henry Luce Foundation and China Institute Friends of the Gallery.

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Detail: Celestial Music, mural from Mogao Cave 288
Western Wei dynasty (535-557), 52 x 522 cm
Image courtesy of Dunhuang Academy