The Silk Road Cave Art Series represents a culmination of the Dunhuang Studies Institute at Lanzhou University' s latest research into the cave art along the Silk Road. This series offers a comprehensive exploration of cave sites along this historic route, meticulously analyzing the interconnected narrative of these cultural landmarks. It delves into the nuanced relationships between different sites while also providing detailed investigations into specific caves.
Covering a geographical expanse from Qiuci in the west to Tianshui and Xi' an in the east and extending southwest to Northern Sichuan, the series traces the development and transformation of cave art styles. The Bingling Temple Caves is a distinct section within this series, organized chronologically into five books covering the Western Qin Period, From Northern Dynasties to the Sui Dynasty, Tang Dynasty (I), Tang Dynasty (II), and From Late Tang Dynasty to Ming and Qing Dynasties. Notably, the Bingling Temple Caves, with their rich collection of Tang Dynasty art, are given extensive attention due to their artistic richness and exemplary craftsmanship.
The series offers readers a thorough introduction to each era' s cave art, supplemented by extensive visual material showcasing the caves' niches, sculptures, and murals. The inclusion of an image index facilitates easy reference, making the series a valuable resource for those interested in the cultural and artistic history of the Silk Road.