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Mansion a treasure trove of carvings
By Tan Weiyun |
July 15, 2013, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
THE mansion of late 18th century landlord Du Lingmei is a wood-and-brick building that sits quietly in the western part of downtown Songjiang District.
The house, famous for intricate woodcarvings on pillars, window frames, doors, staircases and handrails, is shielded from the noise of nearby Zhongshan Road by whitewashed walls.
It sits amid a row of old buildings, where old people sit on bamboo chairs, fanning themselves against the summer heat, and children tease pet dogs on doorsteps.
Du's house is a typical example of traditional and complete Chinese architecture in terms of columns and beam structure.
"The carving patterns are intertwined and complicated, yet with simple clean lines," said Lu Chunbiao, director of the Songjiang Cultural Center. "It makes you admire the craftsmanship of ancient wood carvers."
The original portions of the mansion were built during the reign of the Jiaqing Emperor (1796-1820). The house covers more than 600 square meters and has four jin - an old style residential compound with a courtyard in the center surrounded on three sides by rooms.
The first and the second jin, according to the Du's descendents, were built during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), while the third and fourth were added during the Republic of China (1912-1949).
The essential part of the house is in the third jin, which was built as a marriage suite for Du Yiqing, Songjiang's governor under the Republic of China.
It is supported by large wooden columns and connected by the sun mao technique - a variation of the mortise-and-tenon joint that uses no nails or glue. The roofs are in the traditional "horse head" style, which is shaped like a galloping horse and used to block fire from spreading.
The compound exhibits elegant touches of white-painted walls, grey bricks and deep green tiles. Walking into the main hall, one would be struck by the rich carvings that explode before the eyes.
The doors and window frames are engraved with patterns of flowers and animals, while the beams and pillars are carved with depictions of clouds, mountains, waters, mythological figures and historical heroes.
The glass used on the widows was made of clamshells, all imported from Europe. "At that time, China didn't produce glass," Lu said.
At the back of the fourth jin, a small pathway leads to a private, tranquil garden area.
In 1998, Du's house was listed among Songjiang's protected cultural heritage sites. After renovation work last month, the mansion has been reopened to the public.
"The house has become an example of Songjiang's cultural history," the director said.
Rooms have been turned into exhibition halls, where Songjiang's history and folk art are displayed. The exhibits highlight shadow plays, Gu embroidery, tree root carvings and bamboo dragon dancing.
Folk artists perform regularly on the patio every week, and visitors can enjoy the performances while sipping fragrant green tea in the tearoom.
On the second floor, calligraphy and painting classes will be held for adults and for schoolchildren during the summer holidays.
Address: 266 Zhongshan Rd W.
Admission: Free
The house, famous for intricate woodcarvings on pillars, window frames, doors, staircases and handrails, is shielded from the noise of nearby Zhongshan Road by whitewashed walls.
It sits amid a row of old buildings, where old people sit on bamboo chairs, fanning themselves against the summer heat, and children tease pet dogs on doorsteps.
Du's house is a typical example of traditional and complete Chinese architecture in terms of columns and beam structure.
"The carving patterns are intertwined and complicated, yet with simple clean lines," said Lu Chunbiao, director of the Songjiang Cultural Center. "It makes you admire the craftsmanship of ancient wood carvers."
The original portions of the mansion were built during the reign of the Jiaqing Emperor (1796-1820). The house covers more than 600 square meters and has four jin - an old style residential compound with a courtyard in the center surrounded on three sides by rooms.
The first and the second jin, according to the Du's descendents, were built during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), while the third and fourth were added during the Republic of China (1912-1949).
The essential part of the house is in the third jin, which was built as a marriage suite for Du Yiqing, Songjiang's governor under the Republic of China.
It is supported by large wooden columns and connected by the sun mao technique - a variation of the mortise-and-tenon joint that uses no nails or glue. The roofs are in the traditional "horse head" style, which is shaped like a galloping horse and used to block fire from spreading.
The compound exhibits elegant touches of white-painted walls, grey bricks and deep green tiles. Walking into the main hall, one would be struck by the rich carvings that explode before the eyes.
The doors and window frames are engraved with patterns of flowers and animals, while the beams and pillars are carved with depictions of clouds, mountains, waters, mythological figures and historical heroes.
The glass used on the widows was made of clamshells, all imported from Europe. "At that time, China didn't produce glass," Lu said.
At the back of the fourth jin, a small pathway leads to a private, tranquil garden area.
In 1998, Du's house was listed among Songjiang's protected cultural heritage sites. After renovation work last month, the mansion has been reopened to the public.
"The house has become an example of Songjiang's cultural history," the director said.
Rooms have been turned into exhibition halls, where Songjiang's history and folk art are displayed. The exhibits highlight shadow plays, Gu embroidery, tree root carvings and bamboo dragon dancing.
Folk artists perform regularly on the patio every week, and visitors can enjoy the performances while sipping fragrant green tea in the tearoom.
On the second floor, calligraphy and painting classes will be held for adults and for schoolchildren during the summer holidays.
Address: 266 Zhongshan Rd W.
Admission: Free
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