Standard Design for Buddhist Temple Construction
Encyclopedia
Standard Design for Buddhist Temple Construction is a Chinese language
text written by Dàoxuān in the early Tang Dynasty
. It described a design for Buddhist temples influenced by mainstream Chinese architecture
, and based upon a traditional layout composed of multiple, related courtyards. This architectural tradition can be traced back to the Shang
and Zhou
Dynasties.
Chinese language
The Chinese language is a language or language family consisting of varieties which are mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages...
text written by Dàoxuān in the early Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...
. It described a design for Buddhist temples influenced by mainstream Chinese architecture
Chinese architecture
Chinese architecture refers to a style of architecture that has taken shape in East Asia over many centuries. The structural principles of Chinese architecture have remained largely unchanged, the main changes being only the decorative details...
, and based upon a traditional layout composed of multiple, related courtyards. This architectural tradition can be traced back to the Shang
Shang Dynasty
The Shang Dynasty or Yin Dynasty was, according to traditional sources, the second Chinese dynasty, after the Xia. They ruled in the northeastern regions of the area known as "China proper" in the Yellow River valley...
and Zhou
Zhou Dynasty
The Zhou Dynasty was a Chinese dynasty that followed the Shang Dynasty and preceded the Qin Dynasty. Although the Zhou Dynasty lasted longer than any other dynasty in Chinese history, the actual political and military control of China by the Ji family lasted only until 771 BC, a period known as...
Dynasties.