Safeguarding the Past: Conservation and Research of Mural Paintings at the Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang

The Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northwest China, constitute a remarkable collection of 492 Buddhist cave temples carved into a 1.6-kilometer cliff. These caves, adorned with exquisite wall paintings and sculptures, encapsulate over a millennium of artistic and spiritual history. As China’s preeminent mural painting site, the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes provide a unique window into the evolution of mural production, materials, and techniques along the Silk Road. 

Decades of research by the Dunhuang Academy have fostered a profound understanding of wall painting pigments and materials. This knowledge has played a pivotal role in numerous research and cultural heritage preservation projects. It also forms the basis for forthcoming initiatives aimed at investigating the mechanisms behind pigment discoloration and the identification of organic colorants. Employing advanced scientific methods and technology, the Dunhuang Academy is systematically uncovering the origins of Dunhuang mural paintings and investigating their deterioration processes. These endeavors contribute significantly to the safeguarding of this invaluable cultural treasure. 

Dr. Bomin Su, Director of the Dunhuang Academy, possesses nearly 30 years of experience in the conservation of cultural heritage. As a prominent research fellow, he specializes in preserving historic murals, materials analyses, and the development of innovative heritage preservation methods. Dr. Su has played a key role in over 20 national research projects, authored numerous academic papers and monographs, and holds 20+ technical patents. His unwavering commitment to the field and to the site of the Mogao Grottoes has made a significant impact on the field and contributed to the safeguarding of Buddhist grotto sites in China for future generations. 

Organised by Lori Wong (Senior Lecturer in Conservation) and Dr Sujatha Meegama (Senior Lecturer in Art History) as part of The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Centre for Buddhist Art and Conservation at The Courtauld