Pitched Roof in Chinese Architecture, and Hierarchies

From reading articles about Chinese architecture, I realize that there is rules in different pitched roof regarding owner’s hierarchies. This could give me some references in designing my jewelries as I am thinking of making a set with different social status representations(like from lower class girl to high rank empress).

different types of roofs in traditional Chinese architecture image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060 last access 5th September 2016
different types of roofs in traditional Chinese architecture
image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060
last access 5th September 2016

http://chuansong.me/n/1419060

http://chuansong.me/n/1419060

In traditional Chinese architecture, the type of roof design is a reflection of the owner’s social status. From top class to commoners:

1st: 重檐庑殿顶。Double Hip roof. This type of roof can only be used for the main hall in the Forbidden City, and Confucians Hall, and main Buddhist temples.

double hip roof image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060 last access 5th September
double hip roof
image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060
last access 5th September
Double hip roof image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060 last access 5th September 2016
Double hip roof
image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060
last access 5th September 2016

Hip roof is a type of roof has all sides slope downwards to the walls., usually fairly gentle slopes. The roof slope curves inwards to form a convex surface. Double Hip roof, as the example shown above, is the layering of hip roof. Hip roof has five roof ridge, with the main ridge lying on the top horizontally.

2nd: 重檐歇山顶。Double Saddle Roof. This roof is used in the palaces, gardens, temples.

Double hip-and-gable roof image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060 last access 5th September 2016
Double saddle roof
image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060
last access 5th September 2016
Tian an men Gate image source: http://www.kinabaloo.com/tiananmen_square.html last access 5th September 2016
Tian an men Gate
image source: http://www.kinabaloo.com/tiananmen_square.html
last access 5th September 2016

Tian An Men Gate, for example, is using this type of roof. This design comprises a hip roof that slopes down on four sides, and integrates a gable on two opposing sides. It has nine roof ridges, including one main ridge.

3rd: 单檐庑檐顶。 Hip Roof. The single version of double hip roof. Usually used in important architectures.

image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060 last access 5th September 2016
Hip Roof architecture in the Forbidden City
image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060
last access 5th September 2016

 

 4th: 单檐歇山顶。Saddle Roof. The single version of double hip-and-gap roof. Usually is used in important architectures.

Architecture in the Forbidden City image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060 last access 5th September 2016
saddle roof architecture in the Forbidden City
image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060
last access 5th September 2016

5th: 悬山顶。Suspension Roof. Usually used only in citizens’ houses, not for royal families or high status families.

suspension roof image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060 last access 5th September 2016
suspension roof
image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060
last access 5th September 2016
suspension roof image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060 last access 5th September 2016
suspension roof
image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060
last access 5th September 2016

This roof design has influenced Korean and Japanese architectures. The roof only have two slopes, with the two sides of “人”shape slightly protruding out than the wall below.

6th: 硬山顶。Gabbled Roof. According to Qing Dynasty’s regulations, only government officials below six Pin(see details at the bottom of the article) and commoners can use gabbled roof.\

Gabbled roof image source: http://tupian.baike.com/a4_31_55_01300000167882121800559717035_jpg.html last access 5th September 2016
Gabbled roof
image source: http://tupian.baike.com/a4_31_55_01300000167882121800559717035_jpg.html
last access 5th September 2016
gabbled roof image source: http://www.chinahexie.org.cn/a/zhonghuaguibao/jianzhuwenhua/jianzhumingci/2011/0106/6027.html last access 5th September 2016
gabbled roof
image source: http://www.chinahexie.org.cn/a/zhonghuaguibao/jianzhuwenhua/jianzhumingci/2011/0106/6027.html
last access 5th September 2016

This type pf roof only has two slopes, and the walls on each side is at the same level or slightly protruding out than the roof(compared to suspension roof).

7th: 卷棚顶。Round Ridge Roof. Used in commoner’s residence.

Round Ridge Rood. image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060 last access 5th September 2016
Round Ridge Rood.
image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060
last access 5th September 2016
Round Ridge Roof image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060 last access 5th September 2016
Round Ridge Roof
image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060
last access 5th September 2016

Round Ridge roof has no main ridge on top of the rood slopes, thus the lines of the roof is more gentle and smooth, which is why it is commonly used in gardens and casual places. It is also used for the servants’ residence in the Forbidden City.

8th: 攒尖顶。Pointed Roof. Usually used in pavilions ad towers. There is no rank specification for this type of roof.

Pointed Roof image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060 last access 5th September 2016
Pointed Roof
image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060
last access 5th September 2016

Other types of roofs:

盝顶 Lu roof. It is a flatted roof surrounded by four side slopes and eight ridges.

Lu Roof image source: http://hipath4000like.lofter.com/post/1cb818e7_27dd7f8 last access 5th September 2016
Lu Roof
image source: http://hipath4000like.lofter.com/post/1cb818e7_27dd7f8
last access 5th September 2016

盔顶 Helm Roof. It is similar to pointed roof. However, the slopes are curved outwards at the upper part and then transit to inwards, resembling a helmet. It is usually used in ceremonial architectures or pavilions.

 

Helm Roof. image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060 last access 5th September 2016
Helm Roof.
image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060
last access 5th September 2016

From my readings, there is a more detailed introduction for Saddle Roof:

On the ridges of the saddle roof, there are always beastly creatures sitting. The types, numbers, and sequence of the creatures need to follow strict rules. For example, sitting on the two sides of the main ridge is the 正吻 Kiss Beast, also known as Swallow Ridge Beast, as the way they look.

Swallow Ridge Beast image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060 last access 5th September 2016
Swallow Ridge Beast
image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060
last access 5th September 2016

At the end of the rest eight ridges, there are 垂兽Dangling Beast. There are 8 Dangling Beasts in total.

On the 戗脊 Hip ridge(the diagonal ridge below the flight gabbles on each side) there are a row of running beasts.

indication of hip ridge image source: http://baike.m.sogou.com/baike/weixinArticle.jsp?lid=518846&title=%E6%88%97%E8%84%8A&g_ut=3 last access 5th September 2016
indication of hip ridge
image source: http://baike.m.sogou.com/baike/weixinArticle.jsp?lid=518846&title=%E6%88%97%E8%84%8A&g_ut=3
last access 5th September 2016
Running beasts on hip ridge image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060 last access 5th September 2016
Running beasts on hip ridge
image source: http://chuansong.me/n/1419060
last access 5th September 2016
Ridge Beast image source: http://www.mianfeiwendang.com/doc/02133e3129b6446a47fd948d last access 5th September 2016
Ridge Beast
image source: http://www.mianfeiwendang.com/doc/02133e3129b6446a47fd948d
last access 5th September 2016

There are ten beasts in total, the leading character is a heavenly being riding his beast ,the rest is dragon, phoenix, lion, Pegasus,  Seahorse, Suan Ni(son of dragon), Ya Yu(Sea creature in tales), Xie Zhi(goast-like beast), Dou Niu(water related beast), Shi Xing(Thunder related beast). Some of the beast may exchange places.


Chinese Official rankings is very complicated, just like the modern China as there are too many people in political area holding positions. The highest official would be ranking one Pin, while the lowest would be nine Pin and blow. and in between two Pins, like One Pin and Two Pin, there are many divisions and subtitles. Four Pin would of middle to low range.

 

References:

坡屋面-中国古建筑的屋顶美学 Pitched Roof-Traditional Chinese Roof Aesthetics. chuansong.com http://chuansong.me/n/1419060 last access 5th September 2016

分析中国传统建筑的特点 Analyzing the Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Architectures 360doc.com http://www.360doc.com/content/12/0613/21/137012_217981897.shtml last access 5th September 2016

Chinese Official Rankings BaiduBaike http://baike.baidu.com/view/895722.htm last access 5th September 2016

Chinese Architecture

Chinese architecture can provide inspiration for jewelry design.

The Top 10 Chinese Architecture in Chinese History

http://www.360doc.com/content/10/0526/20/178233_29672184.shtml

Speaking of Chinese architecture, the first thing come into people’s mind is probably the Forbidden City, also known as The Palace Museum. It is the home of royal family during Ming and Qing Dynasties, and represents the highest achievement of Chinese Architecture. Every arrangement and design in the Palace Museum has its meaning and references in Feng Shui. The whole palace is symmetrical, where the main halls of the palace locating on the central axis. More details of Forbidden City can be found online: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbidden_City#Outer_Court_or_the_Southern_Section Forbidden City wikipedia

http://athousandmiles-k.blogspot.sg/2011/03/forbidden-city-beijing.html  Forbidden City Beijing, author Karen@Pas Grand-Chose, last access 4th September 2016

Forbidden City is, at the same time, not the only representation of Chinese architecture. There are many other unique characteristics that of Chinese buildings, in common people’s house, mountains and rural area, as well as in all the 胡同Hu Tong(alley) in Beijing.

I would summarize what I think can be relevant to my project as below:

Forbidden City Ariel View image source: http://athousandmiles-k.blogspot.sg/2011/03/forbidden-city-beijing.html last access 4th September 2016
Forbidden City Ariel View
image source: http://athousandmiles-k.blogspot.sg/2011/03/forbidden-city-beijing.html
last access 4th September 2016

—-The main colors of the Forbidden City architecture is red and yellow. It is believed that yellow is the symbol of Earth(in the Five Wlements Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water), and Earth represents the nation, which is why the roof of the buildings in the Forbidden City is always yellow in color. Red is the symbol of Fire, and fire can give rise to Earth, which is why the walls and pillars is always in red. Red Fire holding the yellow Earth, means the prosperity of the nation.

—-the rectangular shape and layout of the whole Forbidden City.In ancient China, when science was not much of a common sense and people do not have an accurate idea about the world and universe, they used to believe that the sky is round in shape, and the earth is rectangular(天圆地方). Chinese emperors used to believe that China is the centre of the world, and the Palace Museum is thus the centre of the world. Rectangular shape represents Earth。 However, there are exceptions, such as 天坛 the Temple of Heaven  , where the emperors went to worship heaven for auspicious and prosperous years. As you can see from the image, the base is squarish, and the upper staircase as well as the main temple is round, precisely reflects the idea of “sky is round and earth is rectangular”. The Temple of Heaven is where (they believe) people connect to Heavens and Gods, so the temple should be built in heavenly way.

Temple of Heaven image source: http://www.williamlong.info/google/archives/233.html last access 4th September 2016
Temple of Heaven
image source: http://www.williamlong.info/google/archives/233.html
last access 4th September 2016

 

—-马头墙horse-head wall

horse-head wall image source: http://www.jiemian.com/article/288527.html last access 5th September 2016
horse-head wall
image source: http://www.jiemian.com/article/288527.html
last access 5th September 2016

This wall was designed to cater clustered residence where the population is comparably crowded and fire prevention is at great challenge. Horse-head wall can help preventing the spread of fire from neighbors. The horse head of the horse-head wall is usually 金印式(gold deal type) or (chao hu type) which expresses the house owners’ pursuit and wishes of high achievement in political area. From top down view, the horse-head wall creates an illusion of full steam ahead with its ups and downs.

horse-head walls image source: http://fashion.ifeng.com/travel/photo/hd_2012_06/08/15143703_4.shtml last access 5th September 2016
horse-head walls
image source: http://fashion.ifeng.com/travel/photo/hd_2012_06/08/15143703_4.shtml
last access 5th September 2016

 

—-Hollow Engraved Flower Windows

In traditional Chinese houses, there are always high walls surrounding the whole area as boundary.It is a safety precaution, but at the same time, it might give people residing inside the sense of repression. That is why hollow engraved windows are incorporated to break the dullness. The windows allows sufficient lighting across the walls, and let the whole architecture breathe, while still providing divisions. The pattern on the windows are usually auspicious in meaning, to show the good wishes for the family members. The hollow windows also brings out the beauty of void, adding sophistication to the design.

Hollow Engraved Flower Window image source: http://www.tangrenty.com/show.asp?id=156 last access 6th September 2016
Hollow Engraved Flower Window
image source: http://www.tangrenty.com/show.asp?id=156
last access 6th September 2016

 

—-Pitched Roof

Pitched roof is a crucial element in traditional Chinese architecture. Pitched roof has smooth curves that instantly deliver the sense of magnificence and rhythm. The tiles on the roof forms linear patterns that adds interesting details to the overall image. In addition, pitched roof has the function of adjusting indoor temperature during hot summer and cold winter. It provides ventilation as well as draining off rain water.

Pitched roof image source: http://www.jiemian.com/article/288527.html last access 5th September 2016
Pitched roof
image source: http://www.jiemian.com/article/288527.html
last access 5th September 2016
pitched roof image source: http://sns.91ddcc.com/t/65538 last access 5th September 2016
pitched roof
image source: http://sns.91ddcc.com/t/65538
last access 5th September 2016

 

—-Cornices

Cornices are the upturned corners of the roof of architectures, resembling the form of flying bird, which gives the sense of lightness and delight. They are usually seen at the corners of pavilions, terraces, pagodas and towers.

cornices image source: http://www.jiemian.com/article/288527.html last access 5th September 2016
cornices
image source: http://www.jiemian.com/article/288527.html
last access 5th September 2016
Cornices image source: http://www.photophoto.cn/photo/zhongguochuantongrenwen/zhongguofeng/image_47664dde1291844d.htm last access 5th September 2016
Cornices
image source: http://www.photophoto.cn/photo/zhongguochuantongrenwen/zhongguofeng/image_47664dde1291844d.htm
last access 5th September 2016
cornices image source: http://jennyyjw.lofter.com/post/1cd02553_58abbfc last access 5th September 2016
cornices
image source: http://jennyyjw.lofter.com/post/1cd02553_58abbfc
last access 5th September 2016

 

References:

中国传统建筑八大元素 The Eight Elements in Traditional Chinese Architecture, jiemian.com, http://www.jiemian.com/article/288527.html. last access 5th September 2016