Why don't the murals in Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes fade for thousands of years?

1, Dunhuang mural pigments mainly come from imported gems, natural minerals and artificial compounds.

2. The local climate is dry and rainy, so murals should not be eroded by moisture.

Most caves have been closed, so they won't be exposed to direct sunlight.

Wang Jinyu, a researcher at Dunhuang Research Institute, made a scientific analysis of more than 30 kinds of pigments used in Dunhuang murals, and pointed out that China had high pigment invention and production skills and chemical technology more than 600 years ago. The pigments in Dunhuang murals mainly come from imported gems, natural minerals and synthetic compounds, so they have not faded.

Extended data

Dunhuang art also fully embodies the social value. First of all, murals mainly depict characters. Therefore, there are a large number of figures on clothing and textiles, not only with different historical styles, but also with many clothing patterns of ethnic minorities and foreign countries. This fully reflects the glory of Dunhuang, an important town on the ancient Silk Road. In Dunhuang murals, it also shows all aspects of society in past dynasties.

In addition, Dunhuang can be said to be a museum of folk history. /kloc-The overview of ancient folk customs in China during the period of 0/000 is vividly displayed on murals, including not only things that can't be seen now, but also folk customs that have been passed down to this day.

References:

Baidu encyclopedia-Dunhuang murals