The Localization of Buddhist Art in China: A Case of "Emperor and Empress Worshiping Buddha" during the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties

Abstract

In the long history of China, Buddhist culture flourished during the Wei, Jin, and North and South Dynasties, with Buddhist temples and grottoes such as Yungang, Gongyi, and Longmen emerging, and relief murals frequently depicting scenes of Buddhist rituals performed by emperors and queens. This article focuses on the art of Buddhist rituals of the empresses and queens, and shows the fusion of Buddhism and Chinese culture. Through the Wei Shu and other historical materials, the relationship between the empresses and Buddhism is sorted out; combined with anthologies and epitaphs, details of Buddhist rituals by the nobility are explored. Image analyses focus on cave murals, interpreting religious symbolism and aesthetics. This interdisciplinary study integrates historical, artistic, religious, and sociological perspectives, revealing the connotations of the Buddhist rituals of the Empress and the Empress, demonstrating the paths of the localisation of Buddhist art and its influence, deepening the understanding of history and culture, and providing insights into the study of contemporary art.