The Source and Establishment of the Image Style of Jiyue People in Longmen Grottoes during the Tang Dynasty

The image style of Jiyue people (伎乐人) in the Longmen Grottoes during the Tang Dynasty represents a significant evolution from earlier Buddhist-themed depictions to a more secularized form, blending elements of palace and temple culture. This study reveals that while Northern Dynasties' wall-based Jiyue images were limited to musicians within Buddhist narratives, the Tang Dynasty introduced diverse figures—maiko (dance performers), musicians, and geisha (singers)—arranged in dynamic bands. These innovations stemmed from Tang-era palace music traditions and temple entertainment scenes, marking a shift toward secularization while retaining artistic influences from Indian grottoes. The research employs stylistic analysis to trace this transformation, highlighting the interplay between religious and courtly aesthetics.

Guo, Z. (2024). The Source and Establishment of the Image Style of Jiyue People in Longmen Grottoes during the Tang Dynasty Art Frontier, 2(4). https://doi.org/10.64212/jjjc2471