A Study On The Artistic Symbols Of Murals Painted On The Ceiling Of Cave No.249 In Dunhuang Caves

Based on the theoretical framework of iconology and semiotics, this article analyzed the chief icons on the murals painted on the ceiling of cave No. 249 in Dunhuang Cave. Also, the logic in creation and organizational principle of the artistic symbols are the main concern of the present study. The iconic description is the premise of studying the artistic symbols. The different illustrations of the murals on the basis of iconology established a good foundation for further study of this article. It is significant to study the symbols embodied in the artistic work of Dunhuang. The methodology of this study is to apply the combination of iconology and semiotics to illustrate Dunhuang art.The logic in creation of artistic symbols on the murals painted on the ceiling of cave No. 249 in Dunhuang Cave is categorized into the artistic symbols of "intersemiotic translation" and "intuitional and abstract" artistic symbols. The main icons are taken as the examples and further studied. The overall arrangement of the cave and the murals on the ceiling remain the rigorous and thorough symmetric structure. The symmetry itself is a semiotic form and bears the harmonious, elegant and dignified symbolic meaning. In a solemn and respectful atmosphere, the murals on the ceiling create a mysterious phantasm of universe mainly conducted by the world view of Buddism and thought of immortals proposed by Taoism. Moreover, it became the organizational principle of the murals sub-consciously by following the perception that heaven and earth should be one unity. The realization of space is the main factor to decide the arrangement of the drawing. There is a distinguishable difference between the traditional Chinese drawing and scientific perspective drawing in the western countries. The study of the ancient artistic work will provide a lot of good elements which can be borrowed by the modern art.In the global artistic context, studying Dunhuang art from more than one perspective will be significant for inheriting the national culture and promoting its artistic spirit.