Digital Technology in Protecting the Mogao Caves

Quick Intro

Welcome to the “Digital Technology in Protecting the Mogao Caves” section of our digital exhibition. This segment explores how cutting-edge digital tools and scientific techniques are being employed to safeguard and enhance our understanding of the Mogao Caves, one of the world’s most treasured cultural heritage sites. From immersive VR experiences to sophisticated environmental monitoring, discover how technology is revolutionizing the preservation of Dunhuang’s ancient artworks.

Digital Recording and Display

Digital technologies such as 3D scanning and VR are used to replicate and display the detailed structures and artworks of Dunhuang. These tools provide invaluable resources for scientific research and offer the public unparalleled interactive experiences. Visitors can immerse themselves in the caves through virtual reality headsets, experiencing a 360-degree panorama.

Experience the VR Journey

Environmental Monitoring Technology

Detailed explanations of the modern environmental monitoring systems installed in the caves, such as temperature and humidity sensors and dust monitoring equipment, will be provided. This section will also explain how these devices help managers adjust environmental conditions in real-time to protect the Dunhuang murals from external influences.

In 2020, China’s first multi-environmental coupling laboratory dedicated to cultural heritage protection was launched. As In 2020, China inaugurated its first cultural heritage protection lab, equipped to simulate diverse environmental conditions—temperature, humidity, sunlight, rain, and snow—facilitating controlled experiments on immovable relics and aiding in the development of conservation techniques.

Advancements in Conservation and Restoration Technologies

The latest mural conservation and restoration technologies, such as laser cleaning and microbial removal techniques, will be showcased. These technologies are demonstrated to effectively remove contaminants from murals without damaging the original art.

A mural restorer is repairing the murals in Cave 55 of the Mogao Caves.

References

Ding, S. (2022). China’s First Multi-Field Coupling Laboratory in Cultural Heritage Begins International Collaborative Research – Dunhuang Academy. [online] www.dha.ac.cn. Available at: https://www.dha.ac.cn/info/1021/4270.htm [Accessed 6 May 2024].

ip.e-dunhuang.com. (n.d.). Digital Dunhuang Open Archive. [online] Available at: https://ip.e-dunhuang.com/ [Accessed 6 May 2024].

Li, Y. and Wang, X. (2023). Millennia-old Dunhuang Paints a New Scroll | Modern Technology Protects Ancient Dunhuang. [online] www.dha.ac.cn. Available at: https://www.dha.ac.cn/info/1018/5035.htm [Accessed 6 May 2024].

Zhang, H. (2013). Mogao Caves. [online] Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mogao_Caves#/media/File:Dunhuang_Mogao_Ku_2013.12.31_12-30-18.jpg [Accessed 6 May 2024].

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