明代奉慈殿兴废考

On Establishment and Abandonment of The Hall for Worshiping Compassion (Fengci Dian), Ming Dynasty

奉慈殿,位于明代紫禁城内奉先殿西侧,初创于成化二十三年,废置于嘉靖十五年之后,是紫禁城内祭祖宫殿中仅次于奉先殿的重要建筑。本文通过梳理奉慈殿的相关历史文献,分析了其兴废变迁的过程,初步考证了奉慈殿的形制和方位及其与奉先殿祭祀的异同。

Hall for Worshiping Compassion (Fengci Dian) located to the west of Hall for Ancestral Worship (Fengxian Dian) within the Forbidden City of the Ming dynasty was for the first time constructed in the 23rd year of Chenghua ( 成化 ) reign, but abandoned after the 15th year of Jiajing ( 嘉靖 ) period. It is ranked next only to Hall for Ancestral Worship (Fengxian Dian) as one of the important buildings for worshipping ancestors inside the imperial palace. By studying the related historical literature, this article makes a tentative probe into the difference between the two halls as for their structure, location and functions as well.