Authenticity in souvenir design integrating cultural features of Dunhuang’s mural heritage: a qualitative inquiry

The authenticity of cultural features in souvenir design is increasingly emphasized by heritage tourism. This study takes souvenirs of the Moga Caves in Dunhuang, China, as an object of research and explores how designers integrate authentic cultural features of the heritage into product design. The study uses a qualitative approach to interview nine designers and two cultural experts from the souvenir design sector in Dunhuang to obtain perspectives on their consideration of authenticity in the souvenir design process. Thematic analysis was employed to identify critical patterns related to the authenticity of cultural representations in design. The findings revealed five themes: 1) Art Forms and Composition, 2) Contemporary Value, 3) Authenticity and Originality, and 4) Cultural Significance and Representation. The finding indicates that respecting Dunhuang murals’ aesthetic and historical significance while understanding their role in facilitating cross-cultural communication is vital to creating meaningful souvenirs. The study also emphasized the need for collaboration between designers and cultural authorities to ensure authenticity and relevance in the design of souvenirs. This study contributes to a broader discussion of the themes related to cultural heritage, sustainable development, and cultural product design.