| Title |
A Study on the Origin of the Multi-Roofed Thap |
| Keywords |
Thap ; St?pa ; Sarira ; Budo |
| Abstract |
The so-called Thap[塔, T?a(Ch.), To?(Jap.)] is a multi-roofed, tower-like structure. This Buddhist monument is found most characteristically in the Far Eastern countries. The multi-roofed Thap has got a special notice in their peculiar structure. It has been generally regarded as Chinese version of the domed stu?pa of Indian origin. Since the beginning of the study on the multi-roofed Thap, a number of scholars have contributed various suppositions about the origin of this structure and tried to relate it with the stu?pa of Indian origin. It was Alexander Soper who made an early notice that these two structures are ideal monument despite their distinctive features. Dietrich Seckel made a theory that the multi-roofed tower-like structure had appeared either as a result of the stylistic evolution of Indian domed stu?pa, or as a result of translating the concept of Indian stu?pa into Chinese architectural language. Lothar Ledderose made a point that the architectural shape of the multi-roofed Thap had developed after ancient Chinese architecture, Ming-t?ang(明堂), the Radiant Hall..
These theories had served as a key-stone for identifying the symbolic meaning of the multi-roofed Thap until now. However, the difference between the domed-stu?pa of Indian origin and the multi-roofed Thap is so obvious in its structure and religious function. Those Chinese watch-tower(望樓), or Ming-t?ang(明堂) do not sufficiently explain the structure and symbolism of the multi-roofed Thap.
The purpose of this paper is trying to trace out the origin of the multi-roofed Thap and its architectural function and its symbolic meaning. The earlier theory of the stylistic evolution from the stu?pa to Thap has been revaluated, and its structural shape has been traced back to the watch tower of the Han[漢] dynasty. The reason why Chinese architects looked upon the multi-roofed tower for the Buddhist stu?pa has been studied in relationship with the ancient sculptural tradition of India. This study ends with its meaning, which has been related with idolized super structure of the shrine and the stu?pa. |