Introduction
This fonds comprises 153 photographs taken and donated by photographer Kuan-yu Tu. Developing an interest in photography from a young age, Tu served as an assistant to renowned photographer Ching-shan Lang (1892–1995) from 1983 to 1995; and in 1986, he founded Yu Xiang Photography Studio and currently serves as the head of Bodian Technology and Culture. Beginning in 1992, Tu has collaborated with various government agencies to document cultural relics and specimens, participating in numerous digital archive initiatives.
The contents of this fonds center on Kuan-yu Tu’s photographic record of the Survey of Buddhist Historical Remains in Central Asia Project, led by IHP Research Fellow Chuan-ying Yen. The survey began in Pakistan, specifically the cities of Karachi, Lahore, Taxila, and Peshawar, and then continued into China, namely Xinjiang as well as Gansu and Shaanxi provinces, visiting ancient cities, Buddhist cliff caves and grottoes, and temple architecture. Tu’s works not only leave us with invaluable images of precious Buddhist sites and relics, but also record the life of fieldwork and travel. The 2018 “Kuan-yu Tu Photography Exhibition: Trekking the World—Traces of Buddhist Travels” held by the IHP showcased these works, which were then donated to the Archives.
The contents of this fonds center on Kuan-yu Tu’s photographic record of the Survey of Buddhist Historical Remains in Central Asia Project, led by IHP Research Fellow Chuan-ying Yen. The survey began in Pakistan, specifically the cities of Karachi, Lahore, Taxila, and Peshawar, and then continued into China, namely Xinjiang as well as Gansu and Shaanxi provinces, visiting ancient cities, Buddhist cliff caves and grottoes, and temple architecture. Tu’s works not only leave us with invaluable images of precious Buddhist sites and relics, but also record the life of fieldwork and travel. The 2018 “Kuan-yu Tu Photography Exhibition: Trekking the World—Traces of Buddhist Travels” held by the IHP showcased these works, which were then donated to the Archives.