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Box Edition of 1
Printes Edition of 6
This project draws inspiration from the "Zao Jing" (coffered ceilings) of the Mogao and Yulin Buddhist Grottoes in Dunhuang, China. These intricately adorned ceilings, embellished with lotus and aquatic motifs, were believed to offer protection and ward off fire. Captivated by their grandeur and symbolic depth, I reinterpret their beauty through a suite of six copper plate and watercolor prints, envisioning the vibrant hues that time has softened. The prints are housed in a handcrafted ABECA paper and laser-cut wooden box, designed to mirror the layered structure of "Zao Jing”. Within, a clamshell enclosure echoes the architectural composition of Buddhist caves. Through this project, I seek to bridge historical reverence with contemporary interpretation, honoring both artistic heritage and the delicate act of preservation.
Beyond the prints, I designed both an external box and an internal clamshell to house them. The box is crated from handmade ABECA paper and laser-cut wood - materials chosen for their symbolic and textural qualities. The rough texture of the paper evokes the arid soil in DunHuang, while the woodern cut pieces reflect the layered structure of “Zao Jing”.
At the hear of the box, the centrally placed Clamshell echoes the architectural composition of Buddhist Caves, reinforcing spatial harmony. Its surface features a pattern inspired by the “Bao Xiang” Motif, meticulously printed on Gampi Paper. Together, these elements intertwine structure, art, and preservation, reinforcing the connection between form and historical reverence.
Copper Etching printed on BFK Rives, Colored using Watercolor
This suite of six prints reimagines the ornate motifs of “Zao Jing” through copper plate hardground etching and watercolor. With each piece, I seek to capture not only their structural elegance but also their profound symbolic depth, drawing inspiration from the rich narratives embedded within the cave murals. Through these compositions,I aim to bridge the reverence of the past with a contemporary lens, reinterpreting ancient iconography in a new light.
Time has softened the once-vivid hues of these sacred spaces, as mineral pigments oxidized and faded over time. In my work, I envision the brilliance that may have once adorned these ceilings, reviving their lost vibrancy while honoring their enduring legacy.