History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c34.s8.2

v2.c34.s8.2

The plan of the Tai-ho-t’ien will be best understood by reference to Woodcut No. 504, which is the type of all the larger temples and halls. The principal front faces the south, and the hall is raised on a lofty platform with three terraces (A, A, A), rising one above the other and enclosed by balustrades: three flights of steps (B, B, B), give access to the upper terrace, a portion of the central flight, having in the middle, instead of steps, an inclined slope (C) with dragons and clouds carved thereon in bas-relief; the treads of the steps are also carved, but in lower relief. In front of the hall, which consists of eleven bays, is the open verandah (D, D), and the hall beyond is divided longitudinally into central and side aisles, the former being of the same width as the central bay of the main front. Virtually, therefore, the plan is similar to that of a European church, with nave and aisles running east and west, and a central transept with the principal entrance (E) at its south end, and the Imperial dais (F) in the north transept. The only light