2023 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Documentation and Study on Khotan-related Visual Themes in the arts of Dunhuang (9th to 11th centuries)
| Project/Area Number |
22K00162
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| Research Institution | Kyoto University |
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Principal Investigator |
Forte Erika 京都大学, 人文科学研究所, 教授 (50899979)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2022-04-01 – 2025-03-31
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| Keywords | Khotan / Dunhuang / Art / Archaeology / Buddhism / Silk Road / Cave Temples / China |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
Year 2 of the project focused on studying specific iconographies in Mogao and Yulin caves at Dunhuang, which display imagery related to Khotan 9th to 11th centuries CE. The investigation primarily centered on The Eight Protectors of Khotan, a group frequently depicted in at least 16 documented caves. In most cases, these protectors are displayed on the ceiling in the entrance corridor of the caves, positioned above the donors’ portraits.The investigation compared Dunhuang representations with pictorial material from the Khotan oasis murals. Although a clear identification of the Eight Protectors in Khotanese painting remains uncertain, this comparison revealed intriguing connections and similarities in concept and composition, possibly passed down from one oasis to another.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.
Reason
The delay occurred due to another postponement of the research trip to Dunhuang, China, which was initially planned for Year 2. This delay affected the part of the work related to the on-site survey and verification of the caves involved in the project. Although China reopened its borders in early 2023, it was challenging to properly organize a research trip in the Gansu region.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
1. Finalize the content of the project's webpage for publication by the project's end. 2. Refine and verify the data through research surveys in China (Beijing and Dunhuang), London (British Library, British Museum), and Germany Uebersee-Museum Bremen). 3. Disseminate research results at conferences/workshops and publish presented papers. Planned participation includes: 26th International Conference of the European Association for South Asian Archaeology and Art (Leipzig, 16-20 Sept. 2024); Workshop focusing on Buddhist artifacts from the Silk Road (Paris, Nov. 2024); Workshop centered on Khotan (Rome, Feb. 2025). This participation aims to further verify and receive feedback on the research hypotheses put forward in the project.
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| Causes of Carryover |
Some of the travel expenses budgeted for Year 1 were not incurred because the planned research trip to China was not feasible, and the travel to London was also postponed. It is intended to use these funds in the upcoming fiscal year (Project Year 3) for field research to China, England, and Germany, as well as for participation in international academic conferences and workshops in Germany, France, and Italy.
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