Deng Jue Temple - A Social Microcosm of the Southwest Frontier in the Ming Dynasty

Start - End 
2021 - 2025 (ongoing)
Type 

Tabgroup

Abstract

The Deng Jue Si 等覺寺 (Deng Jue Temple) is the most important temple in the Menghua area (Yunnan Province) in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was first built in the period of the Nanzhao Kingdom (738-937). At the same time, it is also one of the earliest Buddhist temples in the Menghua area. This research analyzes an important inscription, Chong xiu Deng Jue si bei ji 重修等覺寺碑記 (Stele of restoration of the Deng Jue Temple), which has been preserved in the Deng Jue Temple. It researches on the historical background of the Deng Jue Temple and analyzes the changes and reasons for the architectural layout of the temple during the Ming Dynasty. The Dengjue Temple was destroyed during the Qing Dynasty, but its main hall's door was preserved. The exquisite wood carvings on the door reflect the artistic aesthetics and societal conditions of that time. The Dengjue Temple serves as an excellent model for studying the social and art conditions in the Menghua area, located on the southwestern border of China in the Ming dynasty.

People

Phd Student(s)