Preserving a Tang Dynasty Masterpiece Discovered in a Secret Cave
In short: Conservators at the British Museum examine the delicate embroidery of the Buddha at Vulture Peak. This video details the assessment process for a rare textile dating back to China's Tang dynasty, originally unearthed in a hidden library by archaeologist Sir Aurel Stein.
The embroidery depicts the Buddha teaching at Vulture Peak, a site in modern-day north-east India traditionally favored by the Buddha and his followers. The piece originates from the Tang dynasty, which spanned from AD 618 to 907.
The artifact was recovered by Sir Aurel Stein (1862–1943) during his exploration of caves in Dunhuang. Stein famously discovered a walled-up chamber containing a vast collection of manuscripts, paintings, and textiles, which he later donated to the British Museum.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Conserving Vulture Peak | Episode 3: Conservation assessment
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