Silk Road treasures: A journey through Dunhuang’s splendors of civilization

An exhibition featuring the splendors of Dunhuang civilization on the ancient Silk Road opened in Hangzhou, East China’s Zhejiang province on Tuesday. The exhibition showcases over a hundred Dunhuang cultural relics, including more than 30 sets of first-class artifacts, many of which are considered to be national treasures.

Titled “Splendors of Civilization: Dunhuang Along the Silk Road,” the exhibition is divided into four main sections: the politics and economy of ancient Dunhuang, the society and daily life of ancient Dunhuang, the millennium-long connection between Dunhuang and Zhejiang, and the Dunhuang caves and mural art.

It presents a range of archaeological discoveries from Dunhuang, such as stone pagodas, silk fabrics, bamboo slips, painted bricks and sutra scrolls, all serving to highlight the cultural exchanges and mutual influences taking place along the Silk Road.

Among the artifacts on display, visitors can admire exquisitely preserved Buddhist pagodas, as well as a diverse array of other artifacts from Dunhuang. Of particular interest are the black and white round pebbles found in Shouchang City ruins. Some of these pebbles are finely polished, while others remain in their natural state. Research has revealed that these pebbles are ancient Go pieces.

Historical records discovered during archaeological excavations suggest that Shouchang City may have been a renowned Go piece production base during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), with the reputation of these pieces extending as far as the capital city of Chang’an.

In addition to the unearthed artifacts, one of the highlights of the exhibition is the reconstructed scene of Cave 285, also known as the “Hall of the Gods,” from the famous Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang. This cave primarily focuses on Buddhism but also incorporates elements of Taoism, Hinduism, Brahmanism and ancient Greek mythology. It serves as a testament to the culmination of these diverse cultures.

The exhibition offers visitors a captivating journey through the rich history and cultural significance of Dunhuang, showcasing the enduring legacy of the Silk Road and its impact on different civilizations.