Have you ever imagined intricate figurines crafted entirely from dough? Yang Kai, a 28-year-old artist from Pingliang City in northwest China's Gansu Province, has turned this imagination into reality. Drawing inspiration from the rich Buddhist murals of the Dunhuang caves, Yang has recreated these ancient artworks into vibrant three-dimensional scenes.
Yang, an inheritor of the Kongtong dough sculpture tradition, showcased his exceptional skills at this year's Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo, which kicked off on September 21. Over the course of a year, with the invaluable assistance of his mother, Yang meticulously transformed flat, historical wall paintings into life-like dough sculptures, featuring a set of 30 detailed figures.
The expo has been a platform for artists like Yang to bridge the past with the present, offering visitors a tactile glimpse into the artistry of the Dunhuang era. Yang plans to expand his collection by adding 13 more figures, further enriching the immersive experience for attendees.
This unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage not only celebrates the legacy of the Silk Road but also inspires a new generation of artists and enthusiasts to appreciate and preserve these timeless masterpieces.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
