Question

Which form of Chinese art or architecture was inspired by Buddhism?

military watchtowers
pagoda temples
terra-cotta sculptures
jade ornaments

Answer 1

Buddhism inspired the construction of pagoda temples in Chinese art and architecture, as seen in the multiple eaves and stories typical of a pagoda, as well as the use of large Buddha statues and wood as a common building material within these temples.

Step-by-step explanation:

The form of Chinese art or architecture that was inspired by Buddhism is pagoda temples. Pagodas were adapted from Buddhist stupa architecture to East Asia, where they became prominent structures in many temple complexes. The architecture of a pagoda typically includes multiple eaves and stories, with each floor representing a step towards enlightenment.

The influence of Buddhism is also apparent in the large Buddha statues found within these temples, which were often constructed using wood due to its auspicious connotations and ease of use, as well as structural resilience against natural disasters. An example of a pagoda influenced by Buddhism is the golden pagoda tower at Jing'an Temple in Shanghai, which follows the traditional odd number of floors and includes intricate carving and decorative elements representing Buddhist teachings and symbolism.

Answer 2

The Buddhist Stupa is an hemispherical building where monks meditate and it has been used by them since the 5th century BC. These dome-like structures influenced in Chinese pagodas (right answer), which are towers built for religious purposes around the 3th century BC, almost 200 years after the first Stupas. Similarly to the stupas, the pagados were used by Buddhist and Taoist in many parts of Asia. Here you can see on the left a stupa and a pagoda on the right.