Artist reproduces Mogao paintings on unique stones

Chen, who holds a deep affection for the Mogao Grottoes of Dunhuang, has been painting for more than four decades.

Chen began to visit the Mogao Grottoes to paint versions of the historical paintings and frescoes in the early 1980s, when he was still very young.

Chen said, when he first saw the historical paintings and frescoes in the Mogao Grottoes, he was deeply attracted by the Buddhist art and considered the site a world treasure of art.

“Mogao Grottoes should be a place many painters like to visit,” he added.

Chen said he has planned in the following months to enrich the stone paintings by adding modern and innovative elements to his artistic works.