This thesis investigates the calligraphy of Buddhist and Daoist scriptures found in Dunhuang and Xinjiang, spanning from the Jin dynasty to the Song dynasty. The calligraphy of the copied scriptures is analyzed in its specific social and historical context. Based on historical records, contemporary references and the actual objects themselves, this study uses a textual, comparative research method to give an overview of the calligraphy and to describe its course of development in an approach that is as faithful to history as possible. There are five chapters. Chapter 1 reviews the publishing of catalogs, the methods used to identify fake copies, and previous scholarly studies. I will also define the research scope, objective and methodology of the study. Chapters 2 to 4 explain the relationships between official sutra copies and Buddhist ones, religion and scripture calligraphy, and the copyists and their calligraphy. Through analysing the colophons at the end of the manuscripts and the style of the calligraphy, I intend to show the impact of politics, religion and the status of the copyists on the calligraphy. Chapter 5 focuses on the artistic style of the calligraphy of Dunhuang scriptures, explores the concepts of Xiejing Style and Beiliang Style , and highlights the stylistic differences and similarities in different geographical areas. This study demonstrates that Dunhuang scriptures are an important part in the history of Chinese calligraphy. The quality of the calligraphy varies: some may be masterpieces while others common everyday writings.
