Difference between revisions of "Chinese Buddhist Architecture"
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| − | The development of [[Chinese Buddhist architecture]] can be traced back to the introduction of Buddhism. The main Buddhist architectural items include [[temples]], [[pagodas]], and [[grottos]]. [[Buddhist architecture]] is regarded as a great art treasure where {{Wiki|Chinese calligraphy}}, sculpture and Chinese painting combine. Being the spiritual symbols of Buddhism, they are not only monastic holy places, but also serve as sacred land that can purify souls. | + | The development of [[Chinese Buddhist architecture]] can be traced back to the introduction of [[Buddhism]]. The main [[Buddhist]] architectural items include [[temples]], [[pagodas]], and [[grottos]]. [[Buddhist architecture]] is regarded as a great [[art]] [[treasure]] where {{Wiki|Chinese calligraphy}}, {{Wiki|sculpture}} and {{Wiki|Chinese}} painting combine. {{Wiki|Being}} the [[spiritual]] [[symbols]] of [[Buddhism]], they are not only [[monastic]] {{Wiki|holy}} places, but also serve as [[sacred]] land that can {{Wiki|purify}} [[souls]]. |
| − | Buddhist Temples | + | [[Buddhist]] [[Temples]] |
| − | The Buddhist temple is the holy place where Buddhist doctrine is maintained. Differing from other religions' temples, Chinese Buddhist temples have many characteristics of their own. For example, similar to Chinese palaces and dwelling houses, they are comprised of a number of small yards. The oldest temple in China - White Horse Temple is a typical example of this. | + | The [[Buddhist temple]] is the {{Wiki|holy}} place where [[Buddhist doctrine]] is maintained. Differing from other [[religions]]' [[temples]], {{Wiki|Chinese}} [[Buddhist]] [[temples]] have many {{Wiki|characteristics}} of their own. For example, similar to {{Wiki|Chinese}} {{Wiki|palaces}} and dwelling houses, they are comprised of a number of small yards. The oldest [[temple]] in [[China]] - [[White Horse Temple]] is a typical example of this. |
| − | The architectural styles of Buddhist temples in China were mainly formed in three periods: Han Dynasty (206BC-220), Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589), and Tang Dynasty (618-907). The first period sees the retention of Indian styles. In the second period, wooden framework was added to the original styles. In the third period, the styles of Buddhist temples were totally Sinicized and the pavilion-like pagoda, which is unique to China, became popular. | + | The architectural styles of [[Buddhist]] [[temples]] in [[China]] were mainly formed in three periods: {{Wiki|Han Dynasty}} (206BC-220), Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589), and {{Wiki|Tang Dynasty}} (618-907). The first period sees the retention of [[Indian]] styles. In the second period, wooden framework was added to the original styles. In the third period, the styles of [[Buddhist]] [[temples]] were totally Sinicized and the pavilion-like [[pagoda]], which is unique to [[China]], became popular. |
| − | Pagoda, symbol of Buddhism, where people climb to have a bird's-eye-view, is often erected in temples. Pagodas can be made of stone, wood, colored glaze or metal. Pagodas have an odd number of layers. Seven-layer and Nine-layer pagodas are commonly built. The shape of cross-section is rectangular, eight-sided or even circular. Initially, the pagoda served as the central axis alongside which rows of halls and monks' rooms spread out. Later, pagodas were built near the main palace hall. | + | [[Pagoda]], [[symbol]] of [[Buddhism]], where [[people]] climb to have a bird's-eye-view, is often erected in [[temples]]. [[Pagodas]] can be made of stone, wood, colored glaze or metal. [[Pagodas]] have an odd number of layers. Seven-layer and Nine-layer [[pagodas]] are commonly built. The [[shape]] of cross-section is rectangular, eight-sided or even circular. Initially, the [[pagoda]] served as the {{Wiki|central}} axis alongside which rows of halls and [[monks]]' rooms spread out. Later, [[pagodas]] were built near the main palace hall. Grotto, another type of [[Buddhist architecture]], is often chiseled into cliffs. In the 3rd century, {{Wiki|Chinese}} [[Buddhists]] began to build grottoes and {{Wiki|Xinjiang}} is the first area where grottoes were hewn. Grottoes are decorated with painted sculptures, carvings and frescos. Craftsmen revealed {{Wiki|real}} [[life]] pictures and their [[understanding]] of {{Wiki|society}} in these [[art]] works, which gave them great historical and {{Wiki|cultural}} value. The four famous grottoes in [[China]] are: [[Mogao Caves]], [[Longmen Grottoes]], [[Yungang Grottoes]] and [[Maiji Caves]]. They are well preserved and attract many visitors from home and [[abroad]]. |
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[http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/architecture/styles/buddhist.htm www.travelchinaguide.com] | [http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/architecture/styles/buddhist.htm www.travelchinaguide.com] | ||
[[Category:Chinese Buddhist Architecture]] | [[Category:Chinese Buddhist Architecture]] | ||
Revision as of 11:26, 20 September 2013
The development of Chinese Buddhist architecture can be traced back to the introduction of Buddhism. The main Buddhist architectural items include temples, pagodas, and grottos. Buddhist architecture is regarded as a great art treasure where Chinese calligraphy, sculpture and Chinese painting combine. Being the spiritual symbols of Buddhism, they are not only monastic holy places, but also serve as sacred land that can purify souls.
Buddhist Temples
The Buddhist temple is the holy place where Buddhist doctrine is maintained. Differing from other religions' temples, Chinese Buddhist temples have many characteristics of their own. For example, similar to Chinese palaces and dwelling houses, they are comprised of a number of small yards. The oldest temple in China - White Horse Temple is a typical example of this.
The architectural styles of Buddhist temples in China were mainly formed in three periods: Han Dynasty (206BC-220), Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589), and Tang Dynasty (618-907). The first period sees the retention of Indian styles. In the second period, wooden framework was added to the original styles. In the third period, the styles of Buddhist temples were totally Sinicized and the pavilion-like pagoda, which is unique to China, became popular.
Pagoda, symbol of Buddhism, where people climb to have a bird's-eye-view, is often erected in temples. Pagodas can be made of stone, wood, colored glaze or metal. Pagodas have an odd number of layers. Seven-layer and Nine-layer pagodas are commonly built. The shape of cross-section is rectangular, eight-sided or even circular. Initially, the pagoda served as the central axis alongside which rows of halls and monks' rooms spread out. Later, pagodas were built near the main palace hall. Grotto, another type of Buddhist architecture, is often chiseled into cliffs. In the 3rd century, Chinese Buddhists began to build grottoes and Xinjiang is the first area where grottoes were hewn. Grottoes are decorated with painted sculptures, carvings and frescos. Craftsmen revealed real life pictures and their understanding of society in these art works, which gave them great historical and cultural value. The four famous grottoes in China are: Mogao Caves, Longmen Grottoes, Yungang Grottoes and Maiji Caves. They are well preserved and attract many visitors from home and abroad.
