Research on the Circulation and Evolution of Fonts in Dunhuang Manuscripts from the Perspective of Calligraphy Art

[Background] In 1900, the Library Cave in Dunhuang's Mogao Caves was discovered. Over 50,000 calligraphy works, stele rubbings, etc. were revealed. Dunhuang manuscripts, along with oracle - bone inscriptions, are among the “Four Major Academic Discoveries” in modern China. Spanning 700 years, these documents have a complex historical and cultural background. [Objective] From the perspective of the history of calligraphy, to study the evolution of calligraphy styles, the inheritance of styles, as well as the changes, fusions of calligraphy styles and the evolution of brushwork techniques during the period from the end of the Jin Dynasty to the early Song Dynasty. [Method] Analyze numerous Dunhuang - unearthed documents, like Buddhist scriptures, letter - writing models, Wang Xizhi copies, Tang stele rubbings, and calligraphy theory fragments. [Results] It is found that Buddhist scriptures and letter - writing models account for a large proportion in Dunhuang documents, showing a complete evolution track of the style of copying Buddhist scriptures. Dunhuang manuscripts are complete in all calligraphy styles, diverse in style and various in form. [Conclusion] Dunhuang documents are invaluable for related research. Their manuscripts feature a unique, natural aesthetic. They form an independent, region - characteristic system, closely linked to Central Plains and Jiangnan calligraphy styles, and are essential to ancient Chinese calligraphy history.