A Study on the Ancient Flying Fairies of Dunhuang Murals and An Explanation of Artworks About Flying Fairies Which Chiang, Yin-Hsiu Innovated

Abstract

[[abstract]]The main topics of this thesis include “ the Flying Fairies of Dunhuang ” and “Ancient Classic and Innovation”, which are the creative, thematic objectives of Chiang Yin-Hsiu’s artworks. The Flying Fairies images from the various dynasties of Dunhuang Murals have high value for artistic research. The Flying Fairies are commonly referred to as “Fei Tian” in Mandarin. The 　　　Dunhuang Flying Fairies originated in India and are otherwise known as Gandharva. Dunhuang Murals are bright and splendid legends in the deserts of China! Dunhuang is located in the western end of the Hexi Corridor, and is an important location on the “Silk Road”. It has historically been referred to as “the cosmopolitan area between Chinese and foreigners.” It is where Buddhist culture first came to China, and is where Chinese, Indian, Greek, and Islamic culture converged. Due to its unique historical background, a multicultural society resulted in its colorful uniqueness! The Northern Liang (one of the Sixteen Kingdoms) and the Northern Wei periods employed “Buddhist ideology in governance” . They actively dug more grottoes and created additional Buddhist images. The mural paintings of the Dunhuang Caves' mineral colors are still radiant after a thousand years: these murals are infused with diverse aesthetics, and at the height of the Sui and Tang Dynasties. Profound, glamorous, solemn, and heavenly colored art still provides an astounding sight. “Fei Tian”images are full of complex artistic vitality! At least ten dynasties of Dunhuang murals contain images of Flying Fairies and Sky Palace Musicians--the images of these different dynasties are all unique. The research scope of this thesis ranges from the Northern Lian through the Northern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, to the height of Sui and Tang Dynasties . The research content includes: the origin and meaning of the Flying Fairies (“Fei Tian”); their gender; capabilities; musical instruments and dance. The content additionally includes: stylistic influences; Sinicization; and features of the Dunhuang Flying Fairies during different dynasties. “Ancient, Classic and Innovation”: this involves the collection and analysis of literary data, plus personal experience of the vast beauty of the Silk Road and the Gobi Desert. I have personally entered some of the Mogao Caves and got to stand on the floor with lotus patterns. I sensed the ancient mysterious atmosphere. I was fascinated by the splendor and magnificence of the Dunhuang murals. I saw the Sky Palace Musicians of the Dunhuang murals which were painted in the Northern Wei dynasty . This engendered Remote ancientness : I was moved by the traditional, beautiful and ancient murals and have come to understand the experiences accumulated by the nameless artists over the dynasties. The beauty of the Flying Fairies murals manifests in different ways through Gouache Painting-- (made from mineral pigments with glue) , or colored ink , underglaze , or mixing other media ! Innovation : to understand these artworks of Contemporary ink-wash or colored ink paintings in relation to Contemporary Art theories. We can use Postmodern artistic thought to comprehend the innovations seen in Flying Fairies --“Fei Tian”!