Dunhuang is a rich crossroads of artistic and cultural exchange, according to Ge Chengyong, a researcher at the China Academy of Cultural Heritage.

Ge made his remarks at the 7th Dunhuang Cultural Expo over the weekend, where it was revealed that the armor depicted in the Heavenly Kings' paintings from Tang Dynasty Dunhuang, as well as the excavated Heavenly King statues from Xi'an and Luoyang, display motifs inspired by the Roman legions.

"These findings illustrate the cultural diversity, further reinforcing the argument that Dunhuang is a convergence point of the world's four great civilizations," said Ge.

Drawing from the Heavenly King on Silk painting that circulated overseas, the woodblock of Great Sage Dhanada (947 AD) and murals of armor-clad Heavenly Kings from Yulin Cave 15, Ge traced the influence of Roman military armor on Chinese artistic depictions, particularly in the creation of the Heavenly King imagery.

"The artistic elements of Roman breastplates were integrated into Chinese representations of Heavenly Kings," he added.

"This fusion has become increasingly evident as more archaeological discoveries from the medieval period come to light. It sheds new light on the creative process behind the powerful and heroic figures in Dunhuang art.”

Ge emphasized the need for a global outlook in Dunhuang studies: "To truly understand Dunhuang, we must examine it through a global lens.”

He also expressed hope that scholars would continue to utilize platforms like the Dunhuang Cultural Expo to foster wide-ranging exchanges and collaboration.