The cluster “Multicultural Dunhuang: Manuscripts and Paintings” examines the connections between Dunhuang manuscripts and paintings, particularly during the tenth century. A central aim of the project is to bring together rising scholars of paintings and of manuscripts in order to develop methodologies applicable to both and to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration. An equally important aspect is to situate the relevant Dunhuang material in the wider cultural and religious currents of the silk road region.
Fieldwork will focus on the material kept in the major holding institutions in London (British Museum and British Library) and on the mural paintings in situ at Dunhuang. The academic output of the cluster will include the production of scholarly work such as journal articles, dissertation theses, and seminar papers.