Tang performance arts in Dunhuang
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The Tang dynasty (618-907) was one of the most prosperous dynasties in Chinese history. During this period, people from Central Asia frequently traded with people who lived in the Tang capital Chang'an through the Silk Road.
As a result, there are large amounts of preserved material cultures that are seen as evidence of interactions between these areas, such as wall paintings, sculptures, print and textiles. These remains can reflect to what extent the frequency of the interactions were. One of the most spectacular material cultures here is the Tang dynasty. The Tang dynasty can be regarded as a milestone of drastic cultural transformation in Dunhuang since it began in 619. Before the Tang Dynasty, the arts in Dunhuang can be divided into two main trends: northwest tribes and central plains (China). Both these art works existed separately and were presented for different groups of people. Due to territory expansion in the Tang dynasty, China was more powerful than before and became influential in other countries. In 642, the completion of cave 220 that commissioned by the Cui family can be regarded as the first influence of Tang art in Dunhuang.[1] Until Dunhuang was conquered by Tibet in 781, the effect of the Tang dynasty in Dunhuang murals was significant and that was typically seen as a landmark for establishing the main trend in Chinese art styles in different aspects.[2]