The interaction of secular and religious aspects in sculpture of China from the Northern Wei period

The study of secular sculpture in China during the Northern Wei Dynasty (4th–6th centuries AD) opens new horizons for understanding cultural transformations and synthesis of traditions. The study thoroughly touches upon the significant influence of Buddhism on the formation of Chinese visual arts during that period. The author’s attention is focused on the dynamics of the development of the art of sculpture, reflecting the smooth infusion of Indian and Gandhara styles and culminating in the establishment of a unique Chinese style by the end of the dynastic reign. The article reveals the technical aspects of the sculptural craft, as well as the stylistic features of both secular and religious works of that era. Secular sculpture of that time serves as a valuable source of information on social and cultural life, reflecting the close connection between art, spiritual quest, and social ideals of that time. This study enriches the understanding of the contribution of Buddhism to the formation of Chinese art and the influence of the art of sculpture of the Northern Wei Dynasty on the development and prosperity of Chinese art in later periods. Keywords: secular sculptural plastic, Northern Wei, cultural heritage, technical features, evolution