Before reading this article, please click "Follow", which is convenient for you to discuss and share, and can bring you a different sense of participation, thank you very much for your support [Bixin]
Text | Green bricks
summary
The palaces and gardens in ancient Chinese capitals were an important part of the spatial organization of the capital. The palace represents the power and dignity of the emperor, while the garden symbolizes the hunting and leisure of the royal family. With the evolution of history, the spatial relationship between the palace and the garden has undergone many changes, which reflect the political, economic and cultural changes in the ancient Chinese capital.
1. The concept of palaces and gardens and their place in ancient Chinese capitals
(1) The concept and function of the palace
The palace was the residence and office of ancient Chinese emperors, as well as the place of political and ceremonial activities. Palace buildings often had grand layouts and elaborate decorations that embodied the power and status of the rulers. The functions of the palace mainly include the following aspects:
1. Residential function: The palace is the residence of the emperor and his family, including the sleeping palace, harem, Chuxiu Palace, etc. These dwellings were usually built in the heart of the palace, with a special status and a noble environment.
2. Government function: The palace is the place where the emperor conducts government affairs. The palace has halls for pilgrimages, banquets, and banquets, which are used to handle government affairs, receive foreign guests, and hold various ceremonies.
3. Religious function: The palace is also a place for religious activities, such as sacrificial ceremonies, celebrations, etc. In the palace, there are often temples, altars and other religious buildings.
(2) The concept and function of the garden
The garden refers to the garden space used by the royal family for hunting, leisure and sightseeing. Courtyards often contain extensive landscaped gardens and man-made buildings with pleasant surroundings and views. The functions of the garden mainly include the following aspects:
1. Hunting function: As a place for the emperor to carry out hunting activities, the garden provides rich wildlife resources for the emperor to hunt and entertain. Houses usually have dedicated hunting areas and facilities, such as paddocks, hunting grounds, deer parks, etc.
2. Leisure function: The garden was also a place for the emperor to carry out leisure and entertainment activities. There are often lakes, gardens, pavilions and other landscapes in the garden for the emperor and royal family members to walk, enjoy the scenery, and play.
3. Express the function of imperial power: The size and layout of the garden often reflect the majesty and power of the emperor. The construction of the garden required a lot of manpower and material resources, and was an important means for the emperor to display his wealth and ruling ability.
(3) The status and role of palaces and gardens in the capital
The palace and garden played an important role in the ancient Chinese capital, highlighting the majesty of imperial power and the prosperity of culture. Their status and role in the capital are reflected in the following aspects:
1. Prominent status: As the residence and activity place of the emperor, the palace and garden are located in the core area of the capital and have a prominent status. Palaces were usually built in the center of the capital, symbolizing the center of imperial power. Gardens are often located on the outskirts of the city, which are conducive to hunting and recreational activities.
2. The embodiment of political symbols: The existence of the palace and the garden not only met the residence and entertainment needs of the emperor, but more importantly, it was the embodiment of political symbols. The grand architecture and layout of the palace demonstrated the majesty and authority of the emperor and was a venue for political activities and ceremonies. The garden embodies the emperor's ability to hunt and rule, and is an important means of demonstrating imperial power.
3. A symbol of cultural prosperity: The palace is not only a political center, but also a symbol of cultural prosperity. In the palace, the emperor and his courtiers carried out cultural activities such as literature, art, and music, which promoted the development of culture. The garden landscape and architectural art in the garden also show the unique charm of ancient Chinese garden culture.
4. Maintenance of social order: The presence of the palace and the garden in the capital also helps to maintain social order. As the residence of the emperor, the palace had strict access control to ensure the safety of the emperor. Hunting and excursions in the garden are subject to specific rules and rituals that help maintain social order and rule.
In short, as an important spatial organization element in the ancient Chinese capital, the palace and garden have multiple roles such as prominent status, political symbol, cultural prosperity and social order maintenance, which have a profound impact on the planning and development of the capital.
Second, the historical background of the change in the spatial relationship between the palace and the garden
(1) The palaces and gardens of the Xia, Shang and Zhou periods
During the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties in ancient China, the spatial relationship between the palace and the garden had not yet formed a clear pattern, but some related concepts and practices had emerged.
During the Xia Dynasty, the size of the capital was relatively small, and the distinction between palaces and gardens was not clear. The capital consisted mainly of royal palaces and places of worship, which may include certain garden landscapes, but there is no definite garden.
During the Shang Dynasty, the scale of the capital city expanded, and more magnificent palace buildings appeared. Royal palaces often included palaces for the emperor to live, conduct government affairs and perform ceremonies. At the same time, there were also special gardens for hunting and recreation. The scale and layout of the garden have a certain connection with the royal palace, but have not yet formed a unified spatial relationship.
During the Zhou Dynasty, the spatial relationship between the palace and the garden gradually became clearer. The royal palace was divided into an inner palace, the inner palace was the residence and administrative place of the emperor, and the outer palace was an area for nobles and officials. As an important part of the court, the garden was divided into different types such as hunting gardens and garden gardens, which were used for hunting, leisure and displaying imperial power.
(2) Palaces and gardens during the Qin, Han, Wei and Jin dynasties
During the Qin Dynasty, with the unification of China by Qin Shi Huang, the size of the capital city was further expanded. Qin Shi Huang adopted a strict centralized system, and the spatial relationship between the palace and the garden was clearly planned and managed. The scale of the palace is grand and the layout is rigorous, such as the palace complex of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, which reflects a high degree of centralization. The garden was divided into hunting gardens, wandering gardens, etc., which were used for the emperor's hunting and excursions.
During the Han Dynasty, the spatial relationship between the palace and the garden continued to develop. The palace architecture is more elaborate and gorgeous, such as the Chang'an Palace and Luoyang Palace in the Han Dynasty. The scale of the garden was further expanded, and hunting and sightseeing became important leisure activities for the emperor. At the same time, the Han Dynasty also appeared famous garden landscapes, such as hot spring gardens, tourist gardens, etc., enriching the functions and experiences of gardens.
During the Wei and Jin dynasties, due to the division and turmoil of the regime, the spatial relationship between the palace and the garden was affected to a certain extent. Although palaces and gardens still exist, they are relatively small in size and layout, and architectural styles and garden art have also changed. In the southern dynasties, such as Jiankang and Luoyang, the spatial relationship between palaces and gardens still existed, but it was relatively simplified.
Third, the main factors of the change of the spatial relationship between the palace and the garden
(1) Political factors
Political factors are one of the main driving forces behind the change in the spatial relationship between the palace and the garden. In ancient China, the construction of capital cities and the planning of palaces and gardens were often influenced by the power of the monarchy and the political system. The power and position of the ruler determined the size and layout of the palace, the planning and use of the garden.
Under the centralized system, such as the period when Qin Shi Huang unified China and the Ming and Qing dynasties, the scale and layout of palaces and gardens tended to be large and rigorous, reflecting the authority and centralization of the rulers. During periods of political fragmentation and turmoil, such as the Wei and Jin dynasties, the size and layout of the palace and garden were relatively simplified, reflecting political instability and decentralization.
(2) Economic factors
Economic factors have also influenced the change in the spatial relationship between the palace and the garden. The construction of palaces and gardens requires a lot of human, material and financial resources. The financial power of the rulers and the economic situation of the country directly affected the size and essence of the palaces and gardens.
During periods of economic prosperity, such as the Han Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty, the construction of palaces and gardens was strongly supported, with a large scale and exquisite architectural style. In times of economic hardship and turmoil, such as the Wei and Jin dynasties, the construction of palaces and gardens was limited and relatively small in scale.
(3) Cultural factors
Cultural factors also play an important role in promoting the change of the spatial relationship between the palace and the garden. The layout and design of palaces and gardens are often influenced by the cultural concepts and aesthetic trends of the time.
In ancient China, Confucian culture had a profound impact on the spatial relationship between the palace and the garden. Confucianism emphasized the monarch's benevolence and moral rule, and the palace was designed as a place to display the monarch's character and cultural accomplishment, while the garden was made a place for the monarch to relax and connect with the people. Confucian culture focuses on rituals and rituals, and the layout and use of palaces and gardens must also conform to specific etiquette and norms.
At the same time, the influence of Taoism and Buddhism also influenced the spatial relationship between the palace and the garden to a certain extent. Taoism focuses on living in harmony with nature, emphasizing the expression of natural landscapes and individual cultivation. The design of the garden often incorporates natural elements to create a beautiful landscape for the emperor to get close to nature and cultivate his body and mind. The influence of Buddhism was reflected in the temples and ashrams in the courtyard, which provided the emperor with places of religious belief and practice.
To sum up, political, economic and cultural factors have jointly influenced the change of the spatial relationship between the palace and the garden. The ruler's power and political system, economic conditions, and cultural concepts and aesthetic tendencies of the time all shaped the size, layout and function of palaces and gardens to varying degrees. These factors interact to form the changes in the spatial relationship between the palace and the garden in different historical periods.
IV. Conclusion
The palace and garden played an important role in the ancient capital of China. They were not only symbols of imperial power, but also important places for political activity, cultural prosperity and the maintenance of social order. The spatial relationship between the palace and the garden has undergone evolution and changes. From the vague identification of the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties to the clear division of the Qin, Han, Wei and Jin dynasties, the planning and use of palaces and gardens in different historical periods are different.
There are many factors behind the change in the spatial relationship between the palace and the garden. Political, economic and cultural factors are intertwined to shape the size, layout and function of the palace and the garden. Monarchical power and political system, economic conditions, cultural perceptions and aesthetic tendencies all had a profound impact on the spatial relationship between the palace and the garden.
The changes in the spatial relationship between the palace and the garden reflect the political, economic and cultural changes and development of ancient Chinese society. Through the study of palaces and gardens, it is possible to gain insight into the planning and development of ancient Chinese capitals, as well as the evolution of monarchical power and cultural concepts.
bibliography