A History Of Northwest Art History Research Mission

The Northwest Art-history Investigation Association is the first organization, which belongs to the Education Ministry of National Government. The group leader was called Wang Ziyun. It was founded in June1940, disbanded in early1945, which lasted for more than four years. The group investigated throughout five provinces:Sichuan, Shaanxi, Henan, Qinghai and Gansu. A large number of art and history materials were found, collected, organized and protected by means photography, copying, rubbings, mapping and records. It made an important contribution for the protection of ancient treasures. The act was evaluated as "the earliest, the largest, the most far-reaching impact art history activity" by the art historians. However, the big event never got enough attention. The thesis paper aims to clarify the historical events of the investigation group of Northwest Art-history from the following points:the exact time from the establishment to the dismission, the reason of Wang Ziyun’s being the leader, the members of the association and the association’s routes and achievements. Moreover, this article also focuses on the trip of Dun huang. The members of the Dun huang visits, the beginning and ending time, individuals and groups in Dun huang at the same time and the relationship between the Northwest Art History Investigation Association and the National Institute of Dun huang Art will be covered. Besides, the misunderstanding that the Dun huang visits were supposed in the academic plans will be explained. Then, the differences between Wang Ziyun and Chang Shuhong will be discussed:for Wang Ziyun’s dissatisfaction at the appointment, Wang Ziyun quited organizing Dun huang art research; while Chang Shuhong enjoyed high reputation for his long-term stay in Dun huang. In a word, Dun huang becomes the turning point in Wang Ziyun’s and Chang Shuhong’s different fates.