This paper explores
Rinzō, the wooden revolving bookshelf used for storing sutras in Buddhism temples. Although this particular type of small architecture has attracted a quite number of scholarly attentions, the importance of
Rinzō either in architectural history or in social history has not been clearly clarified. Therefore, the paper used the typology method to figure out a new classification of the type of
Rinzō between Japan and China, mainly focusing on the existing
Rinzō examples and several architectural technic books.
Based on the structure and shape characteristics, and the type ideas found in the ancient architectural books, three types of
Rinzō in Japan and China are classified by the author. A type refers to the
Rinzō of Yingzaofashi, which shows a separated structure of ‘Rin’ (revolving structure) and ‘Zō’ (outside cover imitating the real architecture), and is thought to be an early style traced to Tang dynasty. B type, the most popular
Rinzō shape of the two countries, shows the unified shape of ‘Rin’ and ‘Zō’ which can be traced back to the Chinese North Song dynasty. Moreover, the B type
Rinzō is classified into three phases: the
Rinzō with eaves,
Rinzō without eaves, and multi-story
Rinzō. C type refers to the
Rinzō with decorated middle column, which only can be found in Japan. The C type
Rinzō is divided into two phases: the
Rinzō with eaves and without eaves.
Besides, based on the type classification, the authors take a brief look at the age and regional distinction of Japanese
Rinzō. Before the 18
th century, the
Rinzō almost showed the type of B-I, and the erection of
Rinzō was managed by the classes of nobility and the samurai. C type and II phase
Rinzō occurred in 17
th century. However, B-I type was still the mainstream style of Japanese
Rinzō. After the 18
th century, based on the publishing of “Obaku” version Tripitaka,
Rinzō was swiftly spread all over the country. By this way, the property of
Rinzō had been experienced a revolutionary process changing from ‘official’ into ‘folk’. When it comes to the 19
th century (before the age of Meiji), the C-II type
Rinzō had become the most famous type. Moreover, the Japanese
Rinzō can be divided into four districts: the district of B type (Kinki area, Shikoku area, Chūgoku area and Kyūshū area), the district of C type (Kantō area and Tōhoku area), the district mixed with B and C type (Chūbu area).
In conclusion,
Rinzō, which was originated in China, showed separated type (A type) and unified type (B type) in Tang and Song dynasty, then the unified type
Rinzō was introduced into Japan along with the introduction of Tripitaka and Zen Buddhism during the Japanese medieval period. After that, the development of
Rinzō of the two countries each underwent independent process. All in all,
Rinzō is not only proof of technical communication between Japan and China, but also an epitome of religious prosperity in public.
抄録全体を表示