Integrating Mogao Murals into souvenir design to preserve the cultural heritage of Dunhuang, China

Cultural product design has gained increasing attention as cultural tourism grows, with souvenirs emerging as vital tools for preserving cultural identity. However, the role of design in this preservation remains underexplored. This research addresses this gap by proposing an interdisciplinary fr...

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Main Author: Zhu, Qiuxia
Format: Thesis
Language:English
Published: 2024
Subjects:
Online Access:http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/120931/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/120931/1/120931.pdf
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author Zhu, Qiuxia
author_facet Zhu, Qiuxia
author_sort Zhu, Qiuxia
building UPM Institutional Repository
collection Online Access
description Cultural product design has gained increasing attention as cultural tourism grows, with souvenirs emerging as vital tools for preserving cultural identity. However, the role of design in this preservation remains underexplored. This research addresses this gap by proposing an interdisciplinary framework, exploring how elements of the Mogao Murals can be integrated into souvenir design to support Dunhuang's heritage preservation and cultural sustainability. This research uses a qualitative case study to examine how three design firms collaborate with the Cultural Heritage Protection Department to create meaningful and viable souvenirs. Data from observations, document reviews, and semi-structured interviews with nine designers and two cultural experts provide insights into designers' roles, and thematic analysis is used to analyze the data. Findings show that designers' focus on ethics, consumer preferences, and adaptive challenges is crucial. Innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning are necessary for sustainable souvenirs. Aesthetic attributes, authenticity, and the cultural significance of Mogao Murals are key in the design process. Souvenirs are cultural preservation tools to balance commercial viability with cultural integrity, supported by internal cooperation and expert consultation. In conclusion, this research introduces the Framework of Souvenir Design for Cultural Heritage Preservation (FSDCHP), addressing a gap in the literature by examining how souvenir design supports cultural preservation. Positioned at the intersection of design and cultural preservation, it offers insights for design firms, institutions, and policymakers on integrating cultural elements into souvenirs while balancing commercial viability with respect for heritage. It also empowers communities by demonstrating how thoughtfully designed souvenirs can preserve cultural heritage, stimulate economic growth, and raise cultural awareness.
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spelling upm-1209312025-10-17T03:54:39Z http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/120931/ Integrating Mogao Murals into souvenir design to preserve the cultural heritage of Dunhuang, China Zhu, Qiuxia Cultural product design has gained increasing attention as cultural tourism grows, with souvenirs emerging as vital tools for preserving cultural identity. However, the role of design in this preservation remains underexplored. This research addresses this gap by proposing an interdisciplinary framework, exploring how elements of the Mogao Murals can be integrated into souvenir design to support Dunhuang's heritage preservation and cultural sustainability. This research uses a qualitative case study to examine how three design firms collaborate with the Cultural Heritage Protection Department to create meaningful and viable souvenirs. Data from observations, document reviews, and semi-structured interviews with nine designers and two cultural experts provide insights into designers' roles, and thematic analysis is used to analyze the data. Findings show that designers' focus on ethics, consumer preferences, and adaptive challenges is crucial. Innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning are necessary for sustainable souvenirs. Aesthetic attributes, authenticity, and the cultural significance of Mogao Murals are key in the design process. Souvenirs are cultural preservation tools to balance commercial viability with cultural integrity, supported by internal cooperation and expert consultation. In conclusion, this research introduces the Framework of Souvenir Design for Cultural Heritage Preservation (FSDCHP), addressing a gap in the literature by examining how souvenir design supports cultural preservation. Positioned at the intersection of design and cultural preservation, it offers insights for design firms, institutions, and policymakers on integrating cultural elements into souvenirs while balancing commercial viability with respect for heritage. It also empowers communities by demonstrating how thoughtfully designed souvenirs can preserve cultural heritage, stimulate economic growth, and raise cultural awareness. 2024-09 Thesis NonPeerReviewed text en http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/120931/1/120931.pdf Zhu, Qiuxia (2024) Integrating Mogao Murals into souvenir design to preserve the cultural heritage of Dunhuang, China. Doctoral thesis, Universiti Putra Malaysia. http://ethesis.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/18534 Art and tourism - China Cultural property - Conservation and restoration - China Heritage tourism - China
spellingShingle Art and tourism - China
Cultural property - Conservation and restoration - China
Heritage tourism - China
Zhu, Qiuxia
Integrating Mogao Murals into souvenir design to preserve the cultural heritage of Dunhuang, China
title Integrating Mogao Murals into souvenir design to preserve the cultural heritage of Dunhuang, China
title_full Integrating Mogao Murals into souvenir design to preserve the cultural heritage of Dunhuang, China
title_fullStr Integrating Mogao Murals into souvenir design to preserve the cultural heritage of Dunhuang, China
title_full_unstemmed Integrating Mogao Murals into souvenir design to preserve the cultural heritage of Dunhuang, China
title_short Integrating Mogao Murals into souvenir design to preserve the cultural heritage of Dunhuang, China
title_sort integrating mogao murals into souvenir design to preserve the cultural heritage of dunhuang, china
topic Art and tourism - China
Cultural property - Conservation and restoration - China
Heritage tourism - China
url http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/120931/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/120931/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/120931/1/120931.pdf