Craftsmanship Tracing: Algorithmic Traceability of the Seven-Bracket and Lower Inclined Arm Dougong of Amitabha Buddha Hall in Chongfu Temple, Shuozhou

The Amitabha Buddha hall of Chongfu temple stands as a significant early Jin dynasty wooden architecture, serving as a pivotal example for exploring the construction techniques and craftsmanship lineage of wooden architectures in northern China during the Song, Liao and Jin dynasties. The dimensional design of its dougong (bracket system), comprising double huagong (projecting bracket) and double xia’ang (lower inclined arm), boasts an ancient algorithmic origin. By interpreting the dimensional design of the Amitabha Buddha hall and comparing it with eight other dougong instances constructed before and after the publication of Yingzao Fashi in northern China, this paper advocates for a hypothesis regarding the algorithmic source. Furthermore, it endeavors to delineate the craftsmanship backdrop of the Liao-Jin period in Northern Shanxi province.