Great Compassion in Art: The Guanyin Mural of Tang Dynasty Dunhuang
The Mural of Guanyin from Tang Dynasty Dunhuang is an extraordinary embodiment of spiritual devotion and artistic mastery, seamlessly merging Buddhist iconography with the refined aesthetics of one of China’s most cosmopolitan eras. Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion, is rendered with sublime grace and ethereal presence, reflecting both the transcendence of the divine and the depth of human empathy. The mural’s intricate lines, delicate shading, and luminous palette convey a sense of tranquillity and reverence, hallmarks of Tang-era artistry at its zenith.
Dunhuang, a vital oasis on the Silk Road, was not merely a crossroads for trade but a flourishing centre of cultural and religious exchange. This mural exemplifies the artistic synthesis that arose from these interactions, blending Chinese, Central Asian, and Indian influences into a harmonious whole. Every detail, from the flowing robes to the serene expression of Guanyin, evokes a spiritual serenity, offering both a visual feast and a meditative experience.

More than a work of Buddhist art, the mural serves as a profound reflection of Tang Dynasty values: the elevation of compassion, the pursuit of enlightenment, and the integration of diverse cultural traditions into a unified, transcendent vision. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire, elevate, and connect across time and place.
Date: 3 February 2025, 17:00
Venue: Basement Teaching Room 1, Pusey Lane, Oxford, OX1 2LE
Speaker: Irene Lok (University of Cambridge)
Organising department: Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
Organiser: Kate Crosby (University of Oxford)
Organiser contact email address: pyi.kyaw@ames.ox.ac.uk
Part of: Glorisun Buddhist Studies Lecture Series
Booking required?: Not required
Audience: Public
Editor: Pyi Kyaw