A Study on the Carved Pagoda of Yungang Grottoes in China

Yungang Grottoes, one of China's three major stone grottoes, preserves diverse pagoda carvings that reflect the architectural and artistic evolution of early Buddhist stupas. These carvings, including freestanding external pagodas, internal central pagodas, multi-tiered pagodas, and relief pagodas on walls or door frames, mirror the structural techniques and styles of wooden pagodas prevalent during the Northern Wei Dynasty (5th–6th centuries CE). The study reveals that these pagodas serve as invaluable records of early Chinese Buddhist stupa design, offering insights into both the development of stone pagoda craftsmanship and the influence of wooden prototypes from Korea. By analyzing carving techniques, stylistic features, and spatial arrangements, researchers have reconstructed the aesthetic and functional characteristics of North Wei-era pagodas, contributing to a deeper understanding of this pivotal period in East Asian Buddhist art.

Eom, G. P. (2021). A Study on the Carved Pagoda of Yungang Grottoes in China. The Journal of Northeast Asia Ancient History, 5, 193–223. https://doi.org/10.47527/jnah.2021.08.5.193