Tianning Temple Pagoda
Tianning Temple Pagoda
CHINA, Beijing
The pagoda was built in the multi-tier style typically seen during the Liao (907–1125) and Jin (1115–1234) dynasties. It was built in the late Liao dynasty and has been repaired numerous times; however, it has retained most of its original structure and carvings. It was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 1988.
The 13-tier octagonal solid brick pagoda is 57.8 m high. It stands on a large square base platform. The base of the pagoda is octagonal and multi-tier with various decorations. On the body of the pagoda there are doorways and vertical bar windows on alternate sides. Surrounding each doorway and window are reliefs of Bodhisattvas, warriors, apsaras, and canopies. At the corners there are pilasters decorated with reliefs of dragons. The eaves are supported by brick bracket sets. The spire consists of a double-tier lotus, a finial base, and a jewel.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Architecture T-Z, page 1124.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Johnson, Peter and Mankuang and Lancaster, Lewis,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Architecture T-Z},
pages = 1124,
title = {{Tianning Temple Pagoda}},
volume = 4,
year = {2016}}