Pigment Application and Color Matching Rules in Tang Dynasty Murals of the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes
Research Article
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Pigment Application and Color Matching Rules in Tang Dynasty Murals of the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes

Zhiwei Gao 1*
1 Harbin Normal University
*Corresponding author: Vdrroe@uset.edu.gr
Published on 14 October 2025
Journal Cover
LNEP Vol.126
ISSN (Print): 2753-7056
ISSN (Online): 2753-7048
ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-327-7
ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-328-4
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Abstract

This study examines the pigment application and color-matching principles of Tang Dynasty murals in the Mogao Caves of Dunhuang, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its vibrant artistic heritage. Building on the historical and cultural significance of these murals, the research integrates color wheel theory, particularly Itten’s model, to systematically analyze the use of complementary, contrasting, and analogous colors. The methodology combines qualitative analysis of pigment types, origins, and processing techniques—such as the preparation of azurite, malachite, cinnabar, and ochre—with comparative studies of Renaissance frescoes in terms of artistic concepts, color strategies, and cultural contexts. Findings reveal that Tang artists skillfully balanced symbolic and decorative functions of color, using mineral-based pigments for lasting brilliance and visual impact. Comparative results highlight distinct cultural approaches: symbolic religious color use in Tang murals versus naturalistic representation in Renaissance art. The study concludes that integrating scientific color analysis with cross-cultural perspectives not only deepens understanding of historical art forms but also offers valuable insights for the preservation, innovation, and contemporary application of traditional color aesthetics.

Keywords:

Dunhuang Tang Dynasty murals, pigment application, color matching rules, color wheel theory, cultural inheritance and innovation.

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Gao,Z. (2025). Pigment Application and Color Matching Rules in Tang Dynasty Murals of the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,126,53-59.

References

[1]. Fan, J. (2018) Color features and artistic achievements of Tang-Dynasty murals in Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes. Dunhuang Research, 12-20.

[2]. Tian, W. (2020) Analysis of pigments in Dunhuang murals and exploration of their production techniques. PhD thesis, Northwest Normal University.

[3]. Wang, B. (2015) History of colors in Chinese painting. Guilin: Guangxi Fine Arts Publishing House.

[4]. Ruan, P. (2016) Several concepts in the research of Chinese painting history theories. Wuhan: Hubei Fine Arts Publishing House.

[5]. Whitfield, R. (2017) Color symbolism and religious expression in Dunhuang murals. Artibus Asiae, 78(1), 53-78.

[6]. Fuchs, R. (2020) Comparative study of color cultural differences between Eastern and Western murals. Journal of Art History, 45(2), 89-105.

[7]. Katz, D. (2019) Basics of color theory: From Itten’s color wheel to modern applications. London: Thames & Hudson.

[8]. Li, Z. (2002) Analytical research on painting pigments of Tang-Dynasty murals in Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes. Dunhuang Research.

[9]. Li, H. (2013) Playing the movement of colors: A study on the color art of Dunhuang murals in the flourishing Tang Dynasty. In Proceedings of the 2013 Academic Annual Conference of the China Fashion Color Association.

[10]. Wu, X. (2018) Exploration and research on color rules in the architecture of Dunhuang grotto murals. Architectural Design Management.

References

[1]. Fan, J. (2018) Color features and artistic achievements of Tang-Dynasty murals in Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes. Dunhuang Research, 12-20.

[2]. Tian, W. (2020) Analysis of pigments in Dunhuang murals and exploration of their production techniques. PhD thesis, Northwest Normal University.

[3]. Wang, B. (2015) History of colors in Chinese painting. Guilin: Guangxi Fine Arts Publishing House.

[4]. Ruan, P. (2016) Several concepts in the research of Chinese painting history theories. Wuhan: Hubei Fine Arts Publishing House.

[5]. Whitfield, R. (2017) Color symbolism and religious expression in Dunhuang murals. Artibus Asiae, 78(1), 53-78.

[6]. Fuchs, R. (2020) Comparative study of color cultural differences between Eastern and Western murals. Journal of Art History, 45(2), 89-105.

[7]. Katz, D. (2019) Basics of color theory: From Itten’s color wheel to modern applications. London: Thames & Hudson.

[8]. Li, Z. (2002) Analytical research on painting pigments of Tang-Dynasty murals in Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes. Dunhuang Research.

[9]. Li, H. (2013) Playing the movement of colors: A study on the color art of Dunhuang murals in the flourishing Tang Dynasty. In Proceedings of the 2013 Academic Annual Conference of the China Fashion Color Association.

[10]. Wu, X. (2018) Exploration and research on color rules in the architecture of Dunhuang grotto murals. Architectural Design Management.

Cite this article

Gao,Z. (2025). Pigment Application and Color Matching Rules in Tang Dynasty Murals of the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,126,53-59.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

About volume

Volume title: Proceeding of ICIHCS 2025 Symposium: Integration & Boundaries: Humanities/Arts, Technology and Communication

ISBN: 978-1-80590-327-7(Print) / 978-1-80590-328-4(Online)
Editor: Enrique Mallen
Conference website: https://2025.icihcs.org/Kunming.html
Conference date: 21 October 2025
Series: Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media
Volume number: Vol.126
ISSN: 2753-7048(Print) / 2753-7056(Online)

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