Oil Paintings in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Valley

As per the study of team of Japanese, European and US scientist, old oil paintings has been found in the caves of Afghanistan’s Bamiyan valley. It was the oldest oil painting dating from 650 AD. It was famous for the 1,500 year old massive Buddha statues which were destroyed by Taliban in 2001 and most of the Bamiyan valley features were painted with buddist images. Due to the effect of severe natural environment and Taliban dynamite it was destroyed.

During the time of analysis, it was discovered that oil, resinous components can be found in the group of wall paintings. The mid 7th century A.D painted murals has varying artistic work and has scenes with knotty haired Buddhas in vermilion robes sitting cross legged. Most of the paintings were the work of the artist traveled across Silk Road route between China across central Asia desert.

Researchers make use of infrared microscope, micro X-ray diffraction and fluorescence to produce accurate images of the paintings. As per the records, it was shown that layers contain natural resins, proteins, gums, oil-based paint layers and varnish.