Buddhism Artwork Along Silk Road

Trade routes have always been more than just the means of transporting goods and services to neighboring regions. These routes serve as a way to spread culture, art, religion, and many other things amongst countries. One of the most outstanding trade routes in the past was the Silk Road found in China. It was a route used by many people to travel and transport goods such as silk, paper, livestock, jewels, and much more, from East to West China. It consisted of land and sea routes, which made transportation and traveling convenient for man in that time period. There were many items traded along the Silk Road that had a profound impact on the development of the cultures, religions and other components. Religion was one thing that was successfully spread amongst those who lived and traveled along the Silk Road. One religion that had a profound impact on the Silk Road was Buddhism. Most religions have a belief in a higher power and a founder, which made Buddhism no different from others. Buddhism is based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha. It is impossible to discuss Buddhism without mentioning its impact on the development of Asian Artwork. As Buddhists traveled along the Silk Road they would leave their lessons behind in the shape of artwork for others to follow and worship the Buddha. Buddhist art followed believers as the dharma spread and adapted to new countries. The religion of Buddha spread quickly along the Silk Road and with the help of the artwork, allowed its followers to be comfortable worshipping while traveling. The art created by these Buddhist people left the world the most pristine and beautiful monuments, which includes Buddha Statues, monasteries, shrines, paintings, murals and cave paintings along the Silk Road area. Religion is an important factor of inspiration for designing artwork everywhere, and much of the art found along the Silk Road, was religious in some shape or form. There were many pieces of artwork that had an impact on the Silk