Survey And Research On Theatrical Architecture Of The Jin Dynasty Based On Physical Examples

This paper is mainly about studies on theatrical architecture of the Jin Dynasty?1115-1234?.Based on predecessors?research methods and achievements,I selected the clearly-dated and well-preserved theatrical buildings,adopted the fundamental survey and record methods widely used in the study of architectural history,and conducted a filed survey to collect first-hand materials as the basis of my paper.Through these physical examples,I intend to classify the theatrical architecture of the Jin Dynasty in a precise way,and discuss the relationship between these buildings and zaju?lit.“variety show”?and other dramas of Jin as well as the social life back then.This paper studies six temples,namely,Erxian Temple in Xilimen,Gaoping,Jincheng,Shanxi(1158,3^rd year of Zhenglong period),Daimiao Temple in Yedi,Jincheng(1157,2^nd year of Zhenglong period),Erlang Temple in Wangbao Village,Gaoping(1183,23^rd year of Dading period),Temple of Emperor Tang in Zecheng,Yangcheng(1208,8^th year of Taihe period),Temple of Emperor Tang in Fengtou Village,Yangcheng(1210,2^nd year of Da?an period of Jin Dynasty),and Temple of Emperor Tang in Xiajiao Village,Yangcheng(1211,3^rd year of Da?an period of Jin Dynasty).During the field survey,I recorded the state of villages where these theatrical buildings are located,the location of these buildings,the location,building methods,features and related tablet inscriptions of Jin-Dynasty buildings and architectural remains so far existing in the theatrical building clusters.In the paper,I elaborated on each of the Jin-Dynasty sample buildings and made a summary for each section.By way of analyzing the physical examples,I classified the Jin-Dynasty theatrical buildings into three categories:those centering on xitai?lit.“theatrical stage”?,those centering on lutai?lit.“open platform”?,and those centering on wuting?lit.“performing courtyard”?.Based on the examples,I summarized the layout features of theatrical buildings of each category,and the specific architectural features of xitai,lutai and wuting.Then I conducted primary textual research on their functions.Through field survey and primary analysis,I came to two basic conclusions:1.The physical examples so far existing indicate that theatrical buildings of the Jin Dynasty can be divided into two categories according to their function.The first is centering on the theatrical stage and for zaju performance,and the second is for both zaju and shehuo performances,which can be further divided into buildings centering on lutai and wuting,respectively.This has changed the way that these buildings are classified by academia only through the architectural form.2.As a unique category of Jin-Dynasty architecture,theatrical stages served special functions and thus were built with different methods from traditional architectural forms,for example,the heavy-weight bearing,front-facing pediment of the hip and gable roof,and flexible methods for dougong bracket layout.Different from traditional ways used by the academia,these building methods demonstrate people?s understanding of attributes of the times.The research combining physical examples of theatrical architecture and archaeological findings,and the two conclusions can enable us to review the actual development state of the Jin-Dynasty zaju,and the Jin-Dynasty buildings?function of serving the society which was a fundamental attribute among the diverse features.Last but not least,the paper,by reviewing the whole survey,record and study process,the paper highlights the limitation and uniqueness of physical materials in studies of architectural history,and emphasizes the necessity for collecting basic materials in a comprehensive,objective and meticulous manner to reach a logical conclusion in future cultural heritage work of similar kind.