Fascinating Mural Stories From Dunhuang Grottoes

The Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes were inscribed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1987. Cultural relics found in the Dunhuang Grottoes, including beautiful murals, colorful statues, detailed silk paintings and illustrations of magnificent architecture demonstrate the originality, artistry, and wisdom of the ancient Chinese artists who created them. Examination of these valuable pieces of work can provide us with a better understanding of ancient Chinese politics, economy, culture and religion, as well as of the relationships that existed between various ethnic groups and between peoples in the East and the West in ancient China. The translations presented in this book comprise mainly Buddhist history, legends and stories. The 135 vivid, beautiful mural pictures were provided by Dunhuang Cultural Centre. This English version, Fascinating Mural Stories from Dunhuang Grottoes, is an exquisite picture album containing colorful images that promise to be a feast for the reader's eyes. We dedicate this book to all those who have traveled from far and wide to see the Dunhuang Grottoes. About the Translator Li Guishan, professor of English, studied English and North American Culture at McGill University Canada in the 1970s. Mr. Li won the Canadian Federal Enrichment Research Program in 1990, traveled to Canada several times, and completed the book Understanding Canadian Culture in 1996. Mr. Li first traveled to the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes in 1976 and has since revisited these sacred places numerous times. Over the past 10 years, working in collaboration with Canadian anthropologist Dr. Naomi McPherson, Mr. Li has also completed translations of the following books: Tales from Dunhuang and Frescos and Fables---Mural Stories from the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang.