本文擬探討十九世紀後期，於浮世繪之外，西方人對於日本美術作品，特別是與早期佛教文化有關的作品，有何認知。筆者將以1880年代出版的英文版日本旅行手冊為核心，並輔以旅行日記、美術史等資料，探索當時西方人是否有機會參訪京都、奈良、大阪等地之七、八世紀古寺。本文除了釐清西方旅人是否能親見今日被視為日本國寶等級的重要作品，亦嘗試分析作者的書寫方式所反映的知識脈絡。西方人對這些佛教文物的歷史淵源，究竟掌握到什麼程度？除了紀錄文物的歷史，是否亦有科學角度的觀察，或藝術史方法學上的探究？透過這些書寫於十九世紀後期與關西一帶早期佛教文物有關的英文資料，提供吾輩反思西方旅人與現代意義下的東亞美術史形成之關聯。

This article examines whether Westerners in the latter half of the nineteenth century were interested in Japanese art aside from Ukiyo-e. In what ways did they approach Buddhist art works, especially those works from the seventh and eighth centuries? This article discusses the above issues by analyzing an English handbook for travelers published in the 1880s, as well as other related writings, including diaries and art historical works. I examine whether Western travelers had much opportunity to visit ancient temples in Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, especially those established in the seventh and eighth centuries. I clarify whether they had access to those works which are considered “National Treasures” of Japan. I will also discuss their knowledge context when they wrote about Buddhist sculptures and paintings. Through analysis of the writings of Western writers from the latter half of the nineteenth century, we can gain a better grasp of the relationship between Western travelers and the establishment of the historiography of East Asian art.

 薩道義 ;安德森; 旅行手冊 ;東西交流 ;東亞美術史

Ernest Mason Satow; William Anderson; handbook for travelers;exchanges between East and West; East Asian Art history