Foguang Temple, China
A Tang Dynasty Treasure
A dilapidated wooden ceiling of a temple at Foguang Monastery.
Shanxi Province possesses some of China’s last remaining examples of original early architecture. Many of these treasures have survived due to their previously remote location that spared the region during the major wars, and its dry climate that prevents wood rot and termites, the primary threats to wooden architecture. Historically, major temples in China have undergone major conservation every 50-100 years. Foguang Temple has not seen major conservation work since the 17th century and today, is in danger of its roof collapsing due to deteriorating beams, supports, pillars and overall structural integrity. Because of the lack of regular repair works, a number of threats are endangering the very survival of Foguang Temple including:
• Rapid deterioration of roofing structures, beams, supports and pillars;
• Decomposing sculptures and interior reliefs, mosaics and ornamentation;
• Weathering of all exposed wooden structures due to lack of treatment, threatening
structural integrity; and
• Damage from falling rocks from the surrounding mountainside and earthquakes
Additionally, Nanchan Temple recently lost the head of its 1,500-year old Buddha residing in the Dafo Hall, despite being surrounded by steel bars, to looters who cut through the cage and sawed off the head of one of China’s most important treasures for a private collector.
