一眼千年：小佛眼背后的大历史（博物视界）

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the historical significance and cultural journey of a unique Buddhist eye artifact from the Yungang Grottoes, highlighting its return to China and its representation of the exchange between Chinese and American scholars [10][11][12]. Group 1: Historical Context - The Yungang Grottoes faced deterioration due to war, theft, and natural erosion, leading to a period of neglect until rediscovery by Japanese scholar Ido Chuta in 1902, which sparked global interest [10]. - In 1932, American collector and museum director, St. John, acquired a ceramic eye from a villager near Yungang, which later became a significant artifact in his collection [11]. - The eye was returned to China in 1985, facilitated by Chinese archaeologist Su Bai, who emphasized its rarity and cultural importance [12]. Group 2: Cultural Significance - The article explains the traditional Chinese practice of "pointing the eye" in sculpture, which was initially done using black paint to enhance the expressiveness of the figures, reflecting ancient Chinese artistic principles [13][14]. - The evolution of the eye's design from painted to inlaid materials illustrates the blending of artistic techniques and cultural influences over centuries, particularly during the Northern and Southern Dynasties to the Sui and Tang periods [15][16]. Group 3: Artistic Techniques - The use of inlaid eyes in sculptures became more prevalent after the Sui Dynasty, with advancements in glass manufacturing enhancing the realism and liveliness of the figures [16][17]. - The article notes that the practice of inlaying eyes was influenced by cultural exchanges along the Silk Road, with similar techniques observed in Buddhist sculptures from regions like India and Central Asia [14][15].