Established in 2019, the aim of the International Research Centre is to promote academic research into the history and culture of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms (dating from 653-937CE and 937-1253CE respectively), located largely in today’s Yunnan province in southwest China.

Above left-right: 1. Silver Vairocana Buddha, Yunnan, Dali Kingdom, dated to the 5th year of Sheng De Reign of Emperor Duan Zhixing (corresponding to AD 1180). H: 37.1cm; 2.3.and 4. Silver pagoda enshrining a gold seated Amitabha Buddha with 9 smaller pagodas atop each enshrining a gold standing Acuoye Guanyin, Yunnan, Late Nanzhao or Dali Kingdom. H: 51.5cm. All Woon Brothers Foundation Collection.

Above left-right: 1. Gilt bronze Acuoye Guanyin, Late Nanzhao or Dali Kingdom. H: 45.3cm. Northumbria University. 2. Silver Acuoye Guanyin, Late Nanzhao or Dali Kingdom. H: 38.7 cm. Woon Brothers Foundation Collection. 3. Gilt bronze Buddha, Dali Kingdom. H: 28cm. Woon Brothers Foundation Collection. Also navigation image on previous page. 4. Gold Buddha, Dali Kingdom. Dated to the 1st Year of Li Zhen Reign of Emperor Duan Zhixing (corresponding to AD 1172). H: 19cm. Woon Brothers Foundation Collection.

Above left-right: 1. Pavilion of stone-carved standing Acuoye Guanyin at Grotto No. 13 of Sha Deng Qin; 2. Plaque at Grotto No. 13 of Sha Deng Qing; 3. The Entrance to Shi Zhong Si Temple & Grottoes at Shi Bao Mountain, Jianchuan, Yunnan; 4. View of Shi Bao Mountain, Jianchuan, Yunnan.