What lies behind the Tang dynasty's most famous Buddhist embroidery?
In short: Conservator Hannah examines the reverse side of a rare Tang dynasty embroidery depicting the Buddha at Vulture Peak. By using UV light to analyze ancient dyes and construction techniques, this video reveals the hidden craftsmanship of a textile discovered in a sealed library cave.
The embroidery dates to the Tang dynasty, spanning AD 618 to 907. It illustrates the Buddha preaching at Vulture Peak, a site in modern-day north-east India traditionally favored by the Buddha and his followers.
The textile was unearthed by archaeologist Sir Aurel Stein (1862–1943) within a hidden, walled-up cave in Dunhuang. This chamber contained a vast library of manuscripts, paintings, and textiles, which Stein later donated to the British Museum.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Conserving Vulture Peak | Episode 8: Examining the back of the embroidery
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