An analysis on the Dunhuang Mogao Northern Dynasties architectural images

Abstract

Research material is commonly supported by paintings. However, if paintings are viewed as the representation and re-composition of architecture, we can focus on the pattern of the selection, referencing, and re-composition of the form elements. This study applies semiotic theories to architectural studies of the Dunhuang frescoes. It extracts and analyzes the symbols (form elements) in the architectural images of the Northern Dynasties. It also interprets the underlying rules of the selection, adoption, and re-composition of the symbols by component analysis. The presence of commonly adopted components, as well as the semiotic structural system under which the components with distinctive characters can be continuously broken down, endow the seemingly simple Northern Dynasties architectural images with both unity and variation.