莫高窟北凉三窟建筑空间设计与功能探析

An Analysis of the Architectural Spatial Design and Functions of the Three Northern Liang Caves of Mogao Caves

莫高窟北凉三窟是敦煌最早的一组石窟,其建筑空间设计与功能对于莫高窟千年的营造具有重要的样本意义。在内部空间设计上,无论是建筑结构还是象征性空间营造,北凉三窟都体现出对汉晋墓葬建筑及宇宙空间营造理念的吸收和挪用,不仅描绘出佛国世界的美好,也着力营造出实现来生安乐去处的理想空间。这种理念也体现于弥勒主题的选择和弥勒天宫空间的营造,反映出石窟营造除了虔诚礼佛外,祈求来世安乐的现实功利性目的。结合窟内供养人画像、相关文献记载及莫高窟物质条件,北凉三窟的营建可能是由北凉统治集团发起,营造活动包括第268窟的扩建和第275、272窟的新建,其中第268窟最初为禅窟,随着地方统治集团的重视,扩建后功能趋于复合,第275、272窟是在吸收汉晋墓葬建筑空间特点及流行的佛教思潮基础上创建的礼拜窟,以满足石窟实际营造者与使用者的佛教实践与现实功德需求。

The Northern Liang Three Caves of the Mogao Caves are the earliest group of caves in Dunhuang,and their architectural space design and function hold significant exemplary importance for the millennium-long construction of the Mogao Caves.In terms of internal space design from both architectural structure and symbolic space creation,the Northern Liang Three Caves demonstrate an absorption and adaptation of Han and Jin Dynasty tomb architecture and cosmological space concepts.They not only depict the beauty of the Buddhist paradise but also strive to create an ideal space for the realization of a blissful afterlife.This concept is reflected in the choice of the Maitreya theme and the construction of the Maitreya celestial palace space,indicating that the purpose of cave construction apart from devout Buddhist worship,and also includes the pragmatic goal of seeking happiness in the afterlife.Combining the portraits of donors within the caves,relevant documentary records,and the material conditions of the Mogao Caves,the construction of the Northern Liang Three Caves was likely initiated by the Northern Liang ruling group.The construction activities included the expansion of Cave 268 and the creation of Caves 275 and 272.Cave 268,initially a meditation cave,became more functionally complex following the attention of the local ruling group.Caves 275 and 272 were created based on the absorption of characteristics from Han and Jin tomb architecture and popular Buddhist trends,serving as worship caves to meet the Buddhist practice and practical merit needs of the actual builders and users of the caves.