Buddhist Image Processions in Faxian's Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms and Their Transformation in Northern Wei Luoyang
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54097/6f27r026Keywords:
Image Procession, Faxian's Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms, Northern Wei Luoyang, dry-lacquer Craftsmanship.Abstract
Comparing Faxian’s Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms (Khotan) with Yang Xuanzhi’s A Record of Buddhist Monasteries in Luoyang, this paper examines the spatial, material, and ritual transformation of Buddhist image processions (xingxiang) in medieval China. Spatially, the circumambulatory perimeter route in Khotan evolved into a linear procession along Luoyang’s central axis toward the imperial palace. Materially, the adoption of indigenous dry-lacquer (jiazhu) craftsmanship resolved the mobility constraints of colossal statuary. Culturally, the incorporation of acrobatics (baixi) infused the sacred rite with secular festivity. This evolution highlights the deep integration of Buddhist practice with Chinese capital ritual systems, craftsmanship, and urban culture.
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