The Qin and Han dynasties were an important period in the development of ancient Chinese architecture, and the shape, structure and decoration of house buildings underwent major changes, and also reflected the social, cultural and ideological conditions of the time.
This paper will explore the cultural connotation of house architecture in the Qin and Han dynasties from the aspects of architectural spatial structure, decorative arts and cultural symbols.
Development and change of spatial structure
During the Qin and Han dynasties, China's politics, economy and culture underwent major changes, which not only had a profound impact on social life, but also had a significant impact on the development of architectural structures.
During this period, there were many new changes in the structure of housing buildings, mainly in the following aspects:
During the Qin and Han dynasties, building materials and techniques were greatly improved and enhanced.
In terms of materials, bricks, tiles and stones began to be widely used during the Qin and Han dynasties, and the use of these materials greatly improved the robustness and durability of buildings.
In terms of technology, the Qin and Han dynasties began to use the technology of wood construction, and the use of this technology greatly improved the seismic performance of buildings.
During the Qin and Han dynasties, the structure of the building also underwent some changes.
During the Qin Dynasty, the structure of the building was basically based on civil structures, mainly using compacted adobe as the wall material and building wooden beams and columns to support the roof.
By the time of the Han Dynasty, the building structure underwent some changes, and began to adopt a combination of masonry and wood structure, the use of this structure not only made the building more solid, but also improved the aesthetics of the building.
In the Qin Dynasty, the decoration of the building was relatively simple and simple, mainly using painted and relief to decorate, and the theme of decoration was mostly human figures and animal patterns.
In the Han Dynasty, architectural decoration began to pay more attention to details and the expression of carving skills, and the decorative themes were more rich and diverse, including historical figures, myths and legends, natural landscapes, etc.
During the Qin Dynasty, the main function of the building was as a royal palace and official palace building, mainly used for the life and work of emperors and officials.
By the time of the Han Dynasty, the functions of buildings gradually diversified, and in addition to being palaces and official buildings, many buildings began to be used for commerce and residence.
At the same time, with the development of economy and culture, the residential buildings of the Qin and Han dynasties gradually changed from simple residences to multifunctional buildings.
In the center of the city, public buildings such as palaces, ancestral halls, markets, and roads began to be built.
These buildings are larger in scale and structurally complex, requiring a higher level of construction techniques and materials.
For example, the Chang'an City built during the Han Wudi period, with walls more than 12 meters high and city gates more than 20 meters high, required the use of a large number of masonry, wood, soil and other materials, and the use of construction machinery, such as stone hammers, axe saws, ropes, etc.
At the same time, in rural areas, with population growth and social development, some new forms of architecture have emerged in many villages and towns.
For example, the rise of bazaars, commerce and government offices led to the construction of a number of commercial and administrative buildings.
In addition, as the prosperity of families increased, the houses of rural residents became more and more decorative, such as the use of pottery tiles for roof covering, and the use of patterned masonry to decorate doors and windows.
Author's opinion:
In short, the development of house architecture in the Qin and Han dynasties was a long and complex process, from simple bamboo and mud structures to masonry and timber structures, from simple dwellings to complex public buildings, from practical buildings to decorative buildings.
This reflects the development and changes of ancient Chinese society, and at the same time leaves valuable wealth for the architectural and cultural heritage of future generations.
The development and change of Art Deco
The decorative art of architecture in the Qin and Han dynasties was gradually developed on the basis of the previous architecture. In terms of architectural structure, the architecture of the Qin and Han period is mainly characterized by scale, multi-function and solidification.
These characteristics also directly influenced the decorative arts of architecture in the Qin and Han dynasties.
2.1.1 Scale
The scale of architecture in the Qin and Han dynasties became more grand, and the requirements for decorative arts became higher.
Therefore, relief carving, painting, waddang and other decorative art forms began to be widely used in the decoration of building surfaces.
2.1.2. Multi-function
The architectural structure of the Qin and Han dynasties became more and more diverse, and as a result, the forms of decorative arts became richer.
For example, the patterns and ornaments on the building are not only used for decoration, but also have symbolic meaning, as well as the meaning related to the function of the building itself.
2.1.3. Solidification
The architectural structure of the Qin and Han periods gradually became more solid, and as a result, the materials and techniques of Art Deco were also improved.
For example, the reliefs, paintings and other decorations on the surface of the building use more durable materials and technologies to ensure their long-term preservation.
2.2.1 Painting
Painted painting is also a common form in architectural decoration during the Qin and Han dynasties.
For example, there are a large number of murals and paintings on the walls of Han Chang'an City, which reflect the history, culture, art and religious beliefs of the time.
2.2.2, Wadang
Wadang was also a common form in architectural decoration during the Qin and Han dynasties.
Wadang has a wealth of shapes and patterns, for example, human face, animal face, phoenix bird, cloud pattern, etc. These wadang not only have the function of decoration, but also can be used for waterproofing, heat preservation and other aspects.
2.2.3. Stone carving
Stone carving is an important form of architectural decoration in the Qin and Han dynasties.
For example, the stone carved beast heads and stone carved sacred beasts in the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang are very famous.
These stone carvings come to life and reflect the level of skill and culture of the time.
Author's opinion:
In general, the decorative art of architecture in the Qin and Han dynasties underwent a gradual development process, showing the characteristics of society, economy, culture and other aspects at that time.
These decorative art forms were not only beautiful, but also reflected the cultural level and aesthetic concepts of the society at that time, and had a profound impact on the development of ancient Chinese architecture and culture.
Cultural symbols
During the Qin and Han dynasties, people's worship of the nature of heaven and earth was very profound.
Therefore, the architectural design of the Qin and Han dynasties often incorporates natural elements, such as the shape of the building, the design of the roof, the decoration of the wall, etc., all reflecting the reverence for the nature of heaven and earth.
During the Qin and Han dynasties, respect for ancestors was a very important cultural value.
Therefore, in architectural design, there are often forms such as ancestor sacrifices and temple buildings to express respect and commemoration.
The Qin and Han dynasties were a period of high concentration of political power.
Architectural design also often incorporates symbols of political power, such as the size of the palace, the height of the building, the thickness of the columns, etc., all reflecting the power structure and political atmosphere of the time.
The cultural inheritance of the Qin and Han dynasties attached great importance to it, and architectural design often carried the meaning of cultural inheritance.
For example, murals, stone carvings, terracotta figurines, etc. in Han Dynasty tombs are one of the forms of cultural inheritance.
In addition, calligraphy, poetry, music and other cultural arts are often combined with architecture, such as a large number of calligraphy works on the city wall of Chang'an City.
The cultural connotation of Qin and Han architecture
The customs and habits of the Qin and Han dynasties were very colorful, such as respecting ancestors, advocating nature, and the state of etiquette.
These customs and habits have had an important impact on the planning and design of buildings, such as murals, stone carvings, terracotta figurines, etc. in tombs, which is a cultural and artistic form that integrates customs and architecture.
The political and social systems of the Qin and Han dynasties were highly centralized, and under this system, buildings often assumed important political and social functions, such as palaces, city walls, etc. built to maintain political stability and social order.
At the same time, the planning and design of buildings must also conform to institutional norms, such as the planning layout of the city, the height of the palace and the thickness of the columns, etc., which are strictly subject to institutional norms.
The way of thinking and values of the Qin and Han dynasties also had an impact on architecture.
For example, advocating nature and respecting the values of ancestors, so that buildings often use natural elements for decoration, such as animal and plant images, colors, patterns, etc., to express reverence for nature.
The way of thinking that respects ancestors makes ancestor statues, shrines, etc. often appear in buildings to show respect and reverence for ancestors.
The aesthetic taste of the Qin and Han periods emphasized simplicity, simplicity, nature and refinement, and this aesthetic taste also had an impact on the style and decoration of buildings.
For example, the basic style of Qin and Han architecture is simple and atmospheric, paying attention to the simplicity of lines and the refinement of geometric shapes, such as the image of soldiers and horses in the terracotta army, stone carvings in Han tombs, terracotta figurines, etc. all show this aesthetic taste.
In addition, the architectural decoration of the Qin and Han dynasties also paid attention to natural elements, such as cloud patterns, thunder patterns, water patterns, flowers, etc., as well as the use of precious materials such as gemstones, jade, and beads, reflecting the pursuit of nature and refinement.
Author's opinion:
In general, the style, decoration and cultural connotation of Qin and Han architecture profoundly reflect the customs, institutional norms, thinking methods, values and aesthetic tastes of the time, constituting a unique and charming cultural and artistic heritage.
In general, the architectural culture symbols of the Qin and Han periods are very rich, reflecting the characteristics of the values, political system, cultural inheritance and other aspects of the society at that time.
These cultural symbols were not only an important part of the society at that time, but also had a profound impact on the development of ancient Chinese architecture and culture.
In short, the cultural connotation of house architecture in the Qin and Han dynasties is very rich, and the spatial structure, decorative arts and cultural symbols reflect the characteristics and changes of the social, cultural and ideological conditions at that time.
Through in-depth analysis and understanding, we can better recognize and understand the historical and cultural value of ancient Chinese architecture, and also help us better inherit and develop the essence of ancient architectural culture.
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