The Evolution of the Timber Structure System of the Buddhist Buildings in the Regions South of the Yangtze River from 10th–14th Century Based on the Main Hall of Baoguo Temple

Abstract

ABSTRACT China’s traditional wooden building has been gradually stylized, standardized, and modularized from the beginning of Sui and Tang Dynasties to Song Dynasty. Based on the timber structure system of Yingzao Fashi (the Methods), a construction monograph issued in 12th century, this article analyzes the timber structure systems of the main hall of Baoguo temple and compares it with other main halls of Buddhist temples built during Five Dynasties, Song Dynasty, and Yuan Dynasty in the regions South of the Yangtze river. The analysis presents the evolution of the timber structure systems of the Buddhist buildings. This article also analyzes the various types of timber structures in the perspective of modern structural theories, in order to determine and understand the influences that lead to the evolution. The findings provide valuable contributions to the protection, rehabilitation, restoration, and reuse of the historic timber buildings in Southern regions. In this articl,e, the regions South of the Yangtze refers to Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Fujian Provinces from about 10th–14th century A.D. during the Five Dynasties (906–970 A.D.), Song Dynasty (960–1279), and Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368 A.D.).