Sutra repositories and bell towers in Japanese Buddhist Monasteries during Asuka and Nara eras

Abstract

This paper explores the evolution of sutra repositories and bell towers in Japanese Buddhist monasteries during the Asuka and Nara eras. The research draws on archaeological sites and extant architecture to investigate the layout characteristics and architectural features of these buildings. Using a typological approach, the study establishes a firm correlation between the layout of sutra repositories and bell towers and their relationship to cloisters and lecture halls. It also analyzes the dimensional rules governing the span of bays, discussing the general structural principles of these buildings. The findings show that, under the development of national Buddhism, sutra repositories and bell towers assumed standardized configurations during the Nara era. Additionally, a comparative inquiry into Chinese and Korean materials from the 7th to 8th centuries reveals that the layout and architectural style of these structures in Japan were influenced by typical Chinese types, which differed significantly from examples in the Korean Peninsula. The study examines the spatial characteristics, relationships, and adaptation of sutra repositories and bell towers in Japanese monastic sites, highlighting how these elements were integrated into Japanese Buddhist architecture to meet local needs and cultural preferences.

Keywords

• sutra repository
• bell tower
• asuka and nara eras
• cultural exchange