Research On The Caves And Sculptures Of Northern-Zhou Dynasty

This paper will conduct a research on the caves and sculptures of Northern—Zhou Dynasty, mainly on its representing form and the background of faith.The later ages of Northern Dynasty is an important age in the developing history of the art of Chinese Buddhist. It is a transitional period between the Northern-wei and Tang dynasty.Both of the two period are the great prosperity in the art of Chinese Buddhist.The Grottoe of Northern—Zhou Dynasty includes Mogao Grottoes, Maijishan Grottoes , Xumishan Grottoes and Lashaosi Temple,also containings some caves of Binglingsi Temple, Northe-grottoe. Every grottoe has different background, so the form of expression is different. The feartuer of Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes has the traditional ideas and form of the central plain of China, at the same time it absorbs the element of art of India and Xinjiang. Maijishan Grottoes have an integrated system from Beiwei dynasty to the Sui dynasty, there have many elements of the art of central plain of China, also show some feartures about Liangzhou and Yizhou. Xumishan Grottoes locate the center of the Silk Road, Chang'an, the capital of Northern—Zhou Dynasty exerts an influence to them.Chang'an is the stsrting point of the Silk Road, the Buddhism culture is very advanced. Although there are not grottoes in Chang'an, many stone sculptures show the characteristic of Northern—Zhou Dynasty.We call it "Chang'an pattern".The Northern and Southern Dynasties are break up in politics, but the culture of two areas keep the relationship. The Southern Dynasty culture effect the The Northern Dynasty from sculptures style to substance.The author also considers that there are relationship between the art and other faiths including the faith to the Pureland, to Maitya.