Bàn thờ Phật ở hai chùa Đại Bi và Hương Trai (Hoài Đức, Hà Nội): Những giá trị lịch sử, văn hóa và nghệ thuật

Tóm tắt

The Buddhist altars of Đại Bi Pagoda and Hương Trai Pagoda were created in the latter half of the 14th century, contemporaneous with the construction of the pagodas. The altar at Hương Trai Pagoda, made in 1370, is the earliest, while the altar at Đại Bi Pagoda dates to 1374. These original and unique artifacts are rare examples with precise dating to the Trần dynasty. Both altars feature a rectangular box-shaped design, divided into three main sections: the lotus pedestal, the body, and the base. They are constructed from multiple stone slabs fitted together in the shape of the Chinese character “Công”, creating a sturdy structure. The altar surfaces are finely textured, slightly concave at the center, and gently raised at the corners, giving them a distinctive form compared to conventional altars. Decorative carvings - such as layers of lotus petals, relief panels or dragons, cloud patterns, slylized foliage, lions playing with balls, tigers, deer, and the mythical Garuda bird - showcase the meticulous craftsmanship, sophistication, and unique artistry of traditional stone carvers of the time. These two altars are not only complete works of sculpture but also hold great cultural and historical significance. They stand as vivid testimony to the flourishing development of Hương Trai and Đại Bi Pagodas, providing valuable information about the dating and benefactors of the Trần period. Positioned at the center of the pagodas, they symbolize the purity of Buddhism and continue to be preserved and appreciated in community cultural practices to this day. The carved motifs exhibit the distinctive characteristics of Trần dynasty art, harmoniously blending Buddhist elements with the daily life of the Red River Delta’s inhabitants, resulting in a uniqueness unparalleled by other artifacts. Given their outstanding significance, this paper proposes that the stone Buddhist altars of Hương Trai Pagoda and Đại Bi Pagoda be recognized as national treasures, in order to honor and preserve these invaluable cultural heritage assets.