Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Turpan’s mural paintings have been extensively studied, but inconsistent methodologies hinder comparison. We proposed a standardized framework by analyzing murals in Bezeklik Cave 51 and Tuyoq Cave 2, representing distinct yet interconnected styles and traditions in Turpan of Xinjiang, China. AMS 14 C dating dates Cave 51 to 1025–1159 AD and Cave 2 to 424–564 AD (95.4% probability). Pigments from Cave 51 include gypsum, carbon black, atacamite, and red lead, with lead dioxide as a discoloration product. Cave 2 features gypsum, atacamite, hematite, and indigo. Both caves share a ground layer manufacturing technique: a coarse mud layer with wheat husks and straws, topped by a fine mud layer with hemp fibers, consistent with 4 th –14 th -century practices in northwestern China. Our results reveal spatial and temporal variations in material selection and technological practices, enabling direct comparisons and a better understanding of Silk Road cultural, artistic, and technological traditions.
Source: npj Heritage Science
Authors: Yuanyuan Mei, Yuzhen Chen, Xincheng Geng, Yue Wang, Xin Wang, Tao Li
Institution: Wuhan University
Language: English
Subfield: Archeology
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Award: G4150744485
OpenAlex ID: W4411135171