This PhD project pursues a comprehensive study of Anyue (Sichuan) stone carvings related to Esoteric Buddhism during the Tang and Song dynasties, using a mixed methodology of iconographic analysis and tracing Esoteric Buddhist elements in this. region with digital tools.
ArcGIS will be employed to integrate spatial and temporal data, enabling the visualization of the distribution and evolution of the carvings over time. A database and data platform will be established, documenting key information such as the location, subject matter, iconographic content, and stylistic features of the carvings.
The project seeks to systematically organize and interpret the ritual and stylistic characteristics of Anyue Esoteric Buddhist stone carvings, in order to clarify the historical development of these religious statues in the region. Furthermore, the research will trace the growth of Esoteric Buddhism in Anyue and explore its connections and interactions with other regions—particularly in terms of religious practices and artistic expressions.
本研究综合运用图像学方法与数字技术手段，对唐宋时期安岳地区的密教石刻开展系统研究。研究中将借助ArcGIS整合相关的时空信息，建立一个包含数据库与数据平台的数字资源系统，全面记录石刻造像的地理位置、题材内容、图像信息与风格特征等核心要素。由此可以可视化的方式呈现石刻造像的空间分布与演变过程，以便明确区域内密教造像的历史发展脉络与图像特征。此外，研究还将追溯安岳密教的传播与发展，探讨其在宗教实践与石刻艺术等方面与其他地区之间的交流互动，进而帮助理清唐宋时期中国密教传播格局与地方化脉络。