Author: PRIP-MOLLER, J.
Title: Chinese Buddhist Monasteries. Their plan and its function as a setting for Buddhist monastic life. [with] Kina For Og Nu.
Description: Copenhagen, Gads 1937 & 1945 Folio publisher's half gilt vellum; numerous photo ills, plans & measured drawings (a couple folding, four folding plans in the pocket at end). The blue paper on the front faded as happens if the book sees daylight for more than a few minutes. [and] Octavo publisher's cloth backed boards; colour extra title, 183pp, photo illustrations, plans. ¶ Original and best edition by miles. One of the great scholarly studies in architecture in which Prip-Moller's modesty of style and scrupulous research, devoted to setting exact measurement of the material with historical documentation and spiritual purpose, is set in a scrupulous and stylish design, producing a large and solid book outwardly very elegant and inwardly complex, almost the embodiment of its subject. "A monumental work which, in its own sphere, has no rival at the present time, and is hardly likely to encounter one in the future." (Gosta Montell in 'Geografisk Tidsskrift', b.42; 1939). Prip-Moller preached this intensity of purpose, function and meaning in his architectural polemic and practised it in his own buildings, the best known now is probably the Christian church he designed for Reichelt in Hong Kong in 1930, and his direct influence doesn't pass unnoticed in buildings like Utzon's Bagsvaerd Church. The second book here is a companion produced to match, on a smaller scale, not published in English as far as I know. This is his personal account of travels in China gathering materials for his monster book.

Keywords: architecture religious architecture China buddhism monasteries asia religion philosophy