马年话马丨“马”上看敦煌

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the cultural significance of horses in ancient Chinese civilization, particularly through the lens of Dunhuang's murals and artifacts, showcasing the historical and artistic value of these representations in reflecting the spirit of exploration and confidence of ancient peoples [1][14]. Group 1: Dunhuang Murals - The Mogao Caves, known as the "Art Museum in the Desert," feature 45,000 square meters of murals, including various depictions of horses that illustrate the vibrant life and imagination of ancient people, as well as the social landscape along the Silk Road [1]. - The murals from the Northern Zhou period in Cave 290 depict a horse trainer, showcasing the interaction of diverse civilizations along the Silk Road through the features of the horse trainer [1]. - A classic hunting scene in Cave 249 captures a tense moment between a tiger and a horse-riding hunter, illustrating the "Parthian shot" technique that originated in Western Asia and later influenced Chinese landscape painting [3]. Group 2: Historical Significance - The murals in Cave 156 depict General Zhang Yichao leading troops, with horses categorized by their functions, providing valuable insights into the military system of the late Tang dynasty [5]. - The Yulin Caves, referred to as the "sister caves" of Mogao, feature a winged horse in Cave 10, symbolizing the romantic imagination of ancient people [7]. - The Dunhuang Museum houses numerous artifacts related to horses, including a Western Jin horse image brick that reflects the spirit of progress through its artistic representation [9]. Group 3: Artifacts and Craftsmanship - The museum also displays a Tang dynasty flying horse brick, showcasing advanced craftsmanship through its high relief design, which reflects the artistic techniques of the time [11][13].