Bodhisattva Crown Of Mogao Grottoes In Northern Dynasties

Dunhuang is located in the western end of Hexi Corridor in Gansu province and it isa city of strategic importance in the ancient Silk Road. Since111BC Emperor Wudistarted to set Dunhuang as a county, it became to be known as "HuaRong TradingCenter". This paper is targeted on the bodhisattva crown of Mogao Grottoes in thenorthern dynasties. With the introduction of Buddhism from India into China alongthe Silk Road, buddhist statues art is also introduced into China. Throughcomparative analysis between bodhisattva crowns in early northern dynasties andthose ones in north Korea, India as well as central Asia, the origin of different stylesof crowns can be identified, at the same time, the cultural characteristics of differentregions and different ethnic groups can be reflected.In order to achieve a comprehensive study of bodhisattva crown, this thesis will befocused on the following aspects. Firstly, different crown styles of Mogao Grottoesin northern dynasties will be classified; secondly, the particular influence of buddhiststatues in India and other parts of the Silk Road on Mogao Grottoes will be studiedon; thirdly, the typical decorative motif on crown will be under special analysis.Combined with other relevant images and other various texts, this thesis will havethe Dunhuang murals and sculptures as the main research material so as to researchon the bodhisattva crown in Northern Dynasties.