A cultural conversation bridging a thousand years recently unfolded in the multifunctional hall of the main branch of Yangpu Library. Part of the "Tracing Cultural Roots" initiative, the "Discover Fun in Yangpu, Embrace Museum Culture" lecture series drew Dunhuang enthusiasts from across Shanghai and international students from the International Cultural Exchange School of Fudan University, hailing from Mexico, Malaysia, Japan, and beyond.

Hosted by the Yangpu Culture and Tourism Administration and the Institute of Chinese Ancient Books Preservation, Fudan University, and organized by Yangpu District and the Dunhuang Contemporary Art Museum, the event featured four engaging components: cultural lectures, diverse displays, book signings, and stamping activities. Through these, participants delved into the enchanting world of Dunhuang art and reflected on the timeless essence of the "Spirit of Mogao".

Conversing with Dunhuang, Unveiling the Essence of Mogao

"Dunhuang is an endless book, and the mission to protect, study, and promote its art knows no bounds." With this introduction, Shi Dunyu, a master of Dunhuang mural restoration, Vice Chair of the Yangpu Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and a successor to intangible cultural heritage, took the stage. Known as "Dunhuang's Daughter", she, who was born in Dunhuang and grew up in the Mogao Grottoes, shared her family's legacy of safeguarding Dunhuang through a series of vintage photographs.

The soft glow of cave lanterns, the earthy aroma of sand and pigments…Shi painted a vivid picture of her father's days spent replicating murals in the Mogao Grottoes. She recalled her childhood role as a "little assistant" to Mr. Duan Wenjie at just four years old, an experience that instilled in her the profound purpose of mural restoration: "Our task is not only to reconstruct the form and hues of damaged art but to breathe life back into its emotional power." Through high-resolution mural images and detailed restoration sketches, she illuminated Dunhuang's artistic principle of "expressing the soul through form".

A Multifaceted Showcase of Mural Restorations and Dunhuang-Inspired Cultural Creations

The event space was adorned with Shi's meticulously restored Dunhuang murals and a vibrant array of Dunhuang-inspired cultural products, drawing crowds to both sides of the venue. During the second half of the lecture, Shi presented her masterful replicas of Dunhuang murals, featuring timeless works like The Jataka Tale of the Deer King and The Duchess of the Governor Worshiping the Buddha, alongside intricate sketches of flying apsaras and donors in the Tang Dynasty. The audience, including readers and international students, marveled at the vivid hues in her works and delved deeper into the narratives woven into the murals.

The Dunhuang-themed cultural products on display also captured widespread attention. From coasters inspired by Dunhuang ceiling motifs to puzzles depicting flying apsaras and accordion-style booklets of The Nine-Colored Deer, these creations bridged ancient artistry with modern aesthetics. One attendee shared, "These designs bring Dunhuang out of the pages of history and into our everyday lives, making its culture feel alive and accessible."

Complementing the lecture, a mini exhibition, with the theme "Dunhuang's Heritage Meets Shanghai Style: Weaving the Silk Road's Light and Shadow" was set up in the library's interactive zone on the second floor. Running from March 14 to May 8, the exhibition explored Dunhuang's rich history, its museum treasures, and innovative cultural products, showcasing the dynamic fusion of Shanghai-style and Dunhuang cultures.

First Glimpse of Dunhuang: A Journey through Family and Art

As the lecture concluded, Shi hosted a book signing for her latest work - First Glimpse of Dunhuang. This visually captivating book doubles as a guide to Dunhuang art restoration and a heartfelt chronicle of her family's legacy. It includes nearly a hundred of her rare manuscripts, such as early cave replication sketches, mineral pigment formulas, and cherished photos of her childhood in the Mogao Grottoes with her parents.

When asked about her inspiration during the signing, Shi said, "This book is more than a reflection of my work - it's homage to the enduring spirit of the 'Dunhuang people'. My hope is that it inspires younger generations to connect with Dunhuang's art and their cultural heritage."

Stamping Dunhuang: A Journey through Art and Culture

The event also included a unique Dunhuang mural stamping activity, featuring over ten designs inspired by iconic Dunhuang themes like flying apsaras, the Deer King Jataka, and Bodhisattva performances. Participants, including readers and international students, enthusiastically stamped their personal Dunhuang memories onto blank sheets. Many international students found the activity both enjoyable and enlightening, as it allowed them to experience the delicate lines and vibrant colors of Dunhuang art firsthand, deepening their appreciation for this cultural gem.

By combining "culture, art, and family", the event created a bridge between Dunhuang's ancient heritage and contemporary life. The essence of Dunhuang lies not just in its quiet perseverance but also in its ability to make timeless art accessible to everyone.

Yangpu Library's "Tracing the Roots of Family" initiative will further explore the fusion of "family" culture with "Jiangnan" and "Shanghai-style" cultures. Through lectures, exhibitions, and hands-on heritage activities, the project aims to inspire cultural pride and foster innovation, helping citizens connect with their roots while shaping the future.