日本における仏教考古学の研究現状と課題

本論の目的は日本における仏教考古学の研究の現状と課題を把握することにある。そこで、まずこれまでにおこなわれてきた仏教考古学の研究史の概略を述べ、研究史的に日本の仏教考古学が対象としてきた文物の研究動向から現況を把握し、今後の課題を見究めたいと思う。

This study examines the historiography of Buddhist archaeology, with particular emphasis on understanding the current state of research and challenges associated with Buddhist archaeology in Japan.

Among the various publications on Buddhist archaeology, Shinpan bukkyō kōkogaku kōza, a comprehensive study of Buddhist archaeology in Japan authored by Ishida Mosaku, and Hakkutsu chōsa no tebiki: kakushu iseki chōsa hen, recently published by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, differ markedly in subject matter.

One point of departure: the latter publication predominantly focuses on materials excavated during formal surveys of Buddhist temple sites, consisting of architectural remains and objects.

The current state of research in the field of Buddhist archaeology in Japan is believed to reflect scholarly achievements enabled by excavations conducted during the postwar period of reconstruction and land development.

Such advances have allowed scholars to reconstruct historical developments through the interpretation of archaeological results, especially in the fields of cultural, social, economic, and political histories. However, in terms of elucidating the history of Buddhist doctrine, it appears that research in this field has been unexpectedly limited.

As indicated by Ishida Mosaku, Buddhist archaeology is “archaeology that focuses on Buddhist architectural remains and relics,” and to realize the essential goal of “understanding Buddhism of the past,” it is not sufficient to consider only the material evidence unearthed from Buddhist temple sites.

Instead of investigating just the excavated remains, it is especially critical today that Buddhist materials stored aboveground in temple collections are also examined as part of a multidisciplinary approach towards expanding our knowledge of Buddhist doctrinal history.