On The Pavilion Type Masonry Pagoda In Henan In Song Dynasty

History of the pagoda is of long standing and well established. The pagoda is an important civilized component of China. In a sense, it is the qualified eyewitness of China history. However, more and more experts think, we still lack and make investigations of it so far and we are now making great efforts to change this kind of state.This article consists of 4 parts: 1.The origin of pagoda and its development. 2. A summary of the pagodas in Henan Province. 3.Characteristic of building of the pagodas in Henan Province in Song Dynasty. 4.The value function and research significance of the pagodas in Henan Province in Song Dynasty.1. In this part, the author introduced the origin and development of the pagoda, especially the history of the ancient owers in China in which they evolved, analyzed the characteristic of the pagodas in different times, compared their different regional characteristic in the same age.2. This part, starting from the changes of the building materials of the Old pagodas in Henan Province, from the pagoda's modelling, function and floor numbers, has briefly described the extant Old pagodas in Henan Province; analyzed the reasons of their changes socially, economically and historically; mainly analyzed the masonry pagodas with the pavilion and dense eaves type. The 39 extant masonry pagodas in Song Dynasty in Henan Province have also been analyzed at last.3. This part has pointed out in detail the building features of the pagodas in Song dynasty in Henan Province. The general style of the pagodas in Song Dynasty are more overelaborate and resplendent than in Tang Dynasty. Its modelling was forceful. Its proportion was well-balanced. Its carving was elegant. The pagoda shape was basicallyinstituted by octagon. But the shape in Song Dynasty in Henan Province was normally hexagon. The pagoda body in early stage was usually taller and bigger than the later ones; But the latter was more beautiful. The base of the early pagodas was simple, with lower platform made of only brick; But the base of late ones was becoming more and more tall and big, with figures of Buddha inlaid, so as to be more beautiful. Especially its building technology was more elegant with metal materials used, and Its rigidity and entirety had both been strengthened.4. This part starts with the historic value and research significance to self-evaluate the study value of this paper. The value can be concluded in three respects: the historical culture, the art of building and carving, the scientific innovation of masonry structure.