Unveiling a Tang Dynasty masterpiece hidden behind centuries of old restoration fabric
In short: Conservators at the British Museum reveal the reverse side of a rare embroidery depicting the Buddha at Vulture Peak. This video documents the delicate removal of modern restoration materials from a textile discovered in a sealed cave by Sir Aurel Stein.
The embroidery originates from China’s Tang dynasty, spanning AD 618 to 907. It illustrates the Buddha preaching at Vulture Peak, a location in modern-day north-east India traditionally favored by the Buddha and his followers.
The artifact was recovered by archaeologist Sir Aurel Stein (1862–1943) from a hidden library within a walled-up cave at Dunhuang. This piece is now part of the British Museum's collection, donated by Stein himself.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Conserving Vulture Peak | Episode 7: Removing the old restoration
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