China, UK team up to preserve Mogao art

The murals and wall paintings inside the caves of Dunhuang, Gansu province, have been the subject of many studies, from art history to architecture, religion, culture and beyond.

Due to the fragile nature of the site, efforts between the Dunhuang Academy and British institutions continue to play a pivotal role in the conservation of the caves. One such collaboration between Nottingham Trent University and the academy involves using noninvasive analysis and automated remote imaging of the murals.

The UK university's Imaging and Sensing for Archaeology, Art History and Conservation Lab has been researching advanced optical instruments with heritage sites in mind.