Huiwen Xia, School of Art and Archaeology, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, ZJ, China.
Changyu Diao, School of Art and Archaeology, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, ZJ, China.
The Yungang Grottoes, situated on the Silk Road, are renowned for their intricate Buddhist sculptures and historical significance. A recent article puclished in Trans/Form/Ação, A Study on the Spatial Composition of Five Grottos in Tanyao,(vol. 47, no. 6, 2024), delves into the architectural design and the social-religious essence of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Spearheaded by specialists in Buddhist art and architecture, this study thoroughly analyzes the spatial arrangement of the 5th-century caves to explore their role in the dynamics of politics, religion, and cultural integration.
The research reveals the seamless integration of architecture and spirituality, offering valuable insights into the cultural and religious significance of these sanctuaries. By examining the composition—elements of points, lines, and surfaces—and their contribution to the caves’ aesthetics and significance, presents a fresh viewpoint on the function of grottoes in cultural and religious discourse.
It also addresses human experience within these spaces, underscoring their reflection of the diverse culture and the amalgamation of politics and Buddhism during the Northern Wei era. This inquiry enhances our comprehension of the Yungang Grottoes as more than historical remains; they are enduring monuments that continue to evoke respect and awe.
This examination of the spatial design at Yungang is significant as it uncovers the sophisticated interplay of architectural excellence and deep spirituality within the Tanyao Five Caves, deciphering the caves’ composition, their impact on the caves’ visual and semantic dimensions, considering, too, human perception within these spaces, emphasizing their role in mirroring the complex culture and the synthesis of politics and Buddhism in the Northern Wei Dynasty (Su, 1996).
Led by a team of Buddhist art and architecture connoisseurs the article scrutinizes the Yungang Grottoes, putting the Tanyao Five Caves, the earliest and most majestic at Yungang, under detailed spatial analysis, aiming to unravel how these ancient caverns acted as a stage for political, religious, and cultural narratives during the Northern Wei Dynasty, decoding spatial elements like points, lines, and surfaces to demonstrate the caves’ significance in mirroring the era’s societal and religious fabric, thus enriching our grasp on their architectural mastery and shedding light on the cultural essence of these revered sites.
Imagem: Pixabay
Building on Du’s observation that the spread of Buddhism in China led to the creation of numerous grottoes and temples along the Silk Road (Du, 2009, p. 1). These caves, rich in socio-political and religious narratives, are more than just repositories for Buddhist art; they exemplify the Northern Wei Dynasty’s adept integration of diverse cultural strands and the strategic use of religious monuments to consolidate imperial power.
The spatial composition of these caves is thus a testament to the era’s architectural expertise and reflects the intricate dynamics of cultural assimilation, political maneuvering, and religious fervor that were hallmarks of the Northern Wei period. This study offers a nuanced perspective on these caves, emphasizing their multifaceted role in the cultural and political landscape of the time.
The research introduces a micro-perspective that considers human vision and perception, identifying three dimensions of spatial perception: physical, psychological, and perceptual spaces. This multi-dimensional analysis provides a holistic understanding of how these sacred spaces were experienced by ancient visitors, aligning with Wu’s view that spatial experience reconstruction is a key method for exploring the past (Wu, 2022, p. 25) and illuminating the caves’ design as more than architecture: it also represents a deliberate arrangement of space to evoke spiritual contemplation and emotional response. By examining both the physical structure of the caves and their psychological effects on visitors, it sheds light on the ancient craft of creating worship spaces that are as poignant as they are imposing.
The study highlights the concept of “centripetal space” within the Yungang Grottoes, a design element that enhances the caves’ spiritual ambiance through the curvature of the walls and the dome-like ceiling, directing the gaze towards the central Buddha statue. This architectural strategy not only showcases the ingenuity of the Northern Wei Dynasty but also embodies deeper philosophical concepts regarding religious devotion and societal hierarchy. Thus, the spatial composition of the Yungang Grottoes, transcends mere aesthetics to become a profound philosophical statement that echoes the cultural ethos of the period (Li, 2005; Norberg-Schulz, 2010).
This scholarly investigation extends our comprehension of the integral role architecture plays in religious and cultural articulation prompting researchers and architects to delve beyond the tangible attributes of spatial design and to contemplate their more profound cultural and philosophical underpinnings. The article paves the way for future academic pursuits to examine the reflection of these spatial composition principles in various religious and cultural milieus, across historical periods and in the modern age (Huntington, 1986; Norberg-Schulz, 2010).
To read the article, access
XIA, H. and DIAO, C. A study on the spatial composition of five grottos in Tanyao. Trans/Form/Ação [online]. 2024, vol. 47, no. 6, e02400315 [viewed 4 April 2025]. https://doi.org/10.1590/0101-3173.2024.v47.n6.e02400315. Available from: https://www.scielo.br/j/trans/a/m6Rpm4NTpJVK7HSTgyYGJhg/
References
DU, D.C. Hexi Buddhist History. Beijing: China Social Science Press, 2009
HUNTINGTON, J. C. The Iconography and Iconology of the ‘Tan Yao’ Caves at Yungang. Oriental Art Magazine. 1986, vol. 32, no. 2
LI, H.C. Yungang Grottoes and the Northern Wei Period. Taiyuan: Shanxi Science and Technology Press, 2005
NORBERG-SCHULZ, C. The Spirit of Place: Towards a Phenomenology of Architecture. Wuhan: Huazhong University of Science and Technology Press, 2010
SU, B. Chinese Grotto Temples. Beijing: Cultural Relics Publishing House, 1996
WU, H. Spatial Dunhuang Approaching the Mogao Caves. Beijing: SDX Joint Publishing Company, 2022
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