Chinese sculpture dates back to the Zhou and Shang dynasties, when small clay and wooden figures were commonly placed in tombs to pro- tect the dead and guide them on their way to heaven. Often these figures were in the shape of animals - dragons, lions and chimeras, all creatures with magical powers that could quell lurking evil spirits. Sculptures of humans became more common in succeeding dynasties - perhaps the best example is the amazing army of Terracotta Warriors found in the tomb of Qin Shi Huang outside present-day Xi'an.

It wasn't until the introduction of Buddhism in China that sculpture moved beyond tomb figurines to other realms of figurative art.  The Buddhist caves of Datong in Shanxi province date back to the 4th century and are an excellent example of the type of art that was introduced to China from India. The enormous figures of the Buddhas, carved directly into the rock, are stiff and formal, their garments embel- lished with Indian patterns and flourishes.

The 4th-century Longmen Caves, in Henan province, are similar in style to those at Datong, with great profusions of sculptures and Indian iconography. The later cave sculptures at Longmen, primarily those completed during the Tang dynasty, take on a more Chinese feel, with elongated features and less stiffness in form.

The best place to see early Buddhist sculpture is at the marvellous caves of Dunhuang, in Gansu province. Here, Indian and Central Asian style sculptures, particularly of the Tang dynasty, carry overtly Chinese characteristics - many statues feature long, fluid bodies and have warmer, more refined facial features. It's also common to see traditional Chinese dragons and lions mingling with the demons and gods of Indian iconography.

The caves in Dazu County, built during the Song dynasty, are another fascinating place to see cave art. The caves feature a wild assort ment of sculpture, including Buddhist statues, animals and people.

 Many of the sculptures are more colourful and lively than those of Dunhuang and remarkably well preserved.

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