雲岡石窟の初期造像 --曇曜五窟の佛龕を中心として--

Abstract

I have proposed a new chronology consisting of an early and middle period of the Yungang Grottoes during the period when the Northern Wei had their capital at Pingcheng, each further divided into three sub-periods. In terms of relative dating based on typological methods regarding the shapes of the caves, their sculptures and motifs, the Early-1 period includes three caves (Caves 18-20), the Early-2 period includes two caves (Caves 16 and 17), and the Early-3 period includes two caves (Caves 5 and 13). The three Early-1 caves and the two Early-2 caves constitute the so-called Five Tanyao Grottoes, which were created when the emperor Wencheng commissioned their construction from Tanyao, who was named shamentong, or head priest, of the Yungang site around 460. In 467 the emperor Xianwen visited the Yungang Grottoes (cave temples carved into Mt. Wuzhou) to attend the dedication ceremonies for Caves 18-20, and at that point Caves 16 and 17 were as yet unfinished. The floor plans of the Five Tanyao Grottoes are either warped oval or trapezoid in shape, with the central worship image taking up most of the cave interior space and the heads of those images barely fitting beneath their domed ceilings. Niches for Buddhist images were carved into the surrounding cave walls, but there was no unified plan for the overall cave. Caves 5 and 13 of the Early-3 period also follow the Great Buddha cave format, but their ceilings are adorned with pair of dragons in crossed formation and flying celestial beings, and they also have carved cave entry gates and open windows.