The differentiation of status is the most noticeable on the five bridges spanning the Golden Water River inside Wumen, the Meridian Gate of the Forbbiden City. The middle bridge, i.e.,the one used by the emperor, has balusters topped with carved dragons and clouds, whereas the other four have on the baluster crowns designs of flames as ornaments and symbols of illumination. For the lesser buildings on the palace grounds, the decorations for stone baluster heads are generally ruyi, pomegranates, lions and others which signify good luck, happiness and longevity.
At the eastern end of the Golden Water River there is a baluster whose head could be used as a siren.Carved in the Qing Dynasty(1616-1911)in the form of fire-flames over a lotus blossom, the post has an opening running from the top to a string of beads under the flower. In case of an emergency, the guard could blow into the top hole and the baluster head would sound warning alarms like a horn.
Editor: Shi Liwei
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