Title: Grand Dream of Dunhuang (大梦敦煌)
Artists: Luo Hui & Li Hao
This pair of jade plaques, carved from Australian nephrite, captures the ethereal beauty of Dunhuang’s mural art. Two elegant figures, inspired by the celestial apsaras of the Mogao Caves, are rendered with exquisite precision — flowing robes, intricate jewelry, and poised gestures evoking music and dance. The subtle gradation of the jade, from deep shadow to soft light, mirrors the faded yet timeless charm of ancient frescoes.
The work bridges ancient and contemporary artistry: traditional Dunhuang motifs are interpreted through refined jade engraving, transforming the stone into a living scroll of cultural memory. Together, the two panels echo one another like twin verses of a poem, creating a harmonious rhythm of movement and stillness. This piece pays homage to the grandeur of Silk Road art while expressing a dreamlike vision of timeless beauty.
