Image encoding method and image encoding device

In an image encoding method, a plurality of pictures contained in a coding dynamic image signal are layered and classified in a mode that the plurality of pictures are individually belonged to one layer of multiple layers, a label is obtained from the coding dynamic image signal, and the label represents whether a limit is added on the selection of a reference image, which is referenced as a reference picture for the picture to be encoded. When the label represents an added limit, and the image is associated with a layer among a plurality of layers is referenced as a reference picture for the picture to be encoded, and the picture to be encoded is encoded on the basis of the reference picture. 种图像解码方法，在以使包含于编码动态图像信号中的多个图像分别属于多个层次中的某个层次的方式、将多个图像分层次地分类的情况下，从编码动态图像信号取得标志，该标志表示是否对在进行解码对象图像的解码时参照的参照图像的选择附加限制，在标志表示附加限制的情况下，选择满足根据解码对象图像所属的第1层次而限制的条件的图像，作为针对解码对象图像的参照图像，参照所选择的参照图像对解码对象图像进行解码。