Dunhuang, Costumes in the Dunhuang Caves (5 of 8)

This is the fifth in an eight-part series by China Central Television (CCTV) on the interplay between the murals in the Mogao Caves and contemporary art in China.

This weeks episode looks at the clothing that was in fashion during the 1,000 year history of the Mogao Caves, and how that is also influencing modern designers today.

This episode really highlights the skilful presentation of the material: I would never dream of looking at the murals from a designer’s point-of-view, and so get to see the riches of the art works from a different perspective altogether.

The murals are once more demonstrated to be a store house of historical information about China, showing clothing from the Emperor and his court, patrons and even from ethnic costumes now long lost.