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| Art Q&A > Architecture |
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Wadang, Soul of Oriental Architecture
Last week, the unveiling of the abundant tiles collected by Guan Zengzhu, an amateur wadang collector, and the publication of his A Textual Research on Pre-Qin and Han Wadang Decorations excited the architectural circle by decoding some historical doubts and suspicions concerning wadangs.
Guan's book, prefaced by Luo Zhewen, a senior expert on ancient architecture protection, not only dwells at great length on the evolution of the wadang culture (as well as its history, rich designs, and great varieties), but also elaborately analyzes the connections between the wadang culture and historic events, social etiquette, hierarchical ranking, and some historic figures.
Roof tiles, or wa in Chinese, appeared as early as in the Xia Dynasty (2100-1600BC), serving to protect inhabitants from weather hazards and intruders. Its calligraphic style of xiaozhuan (lesser seal script)vividly portrays the tiles: laid one over another and joined together by lime in alternating and curved rows, concave and convex, on the roof.
The design of wadangs varies greatly. In the ancient times, people began to carve a few characters or paintings on wadangs, in order to pray for fortunes and repel demons.
Wadangs are a very special treasure in Chinese architectural history. As well as being an art that combines calligraphy , painting, craftwork, and carving, the art of wadangs also is a result of the combination of practicality and aesthetics, adding much beauty to ancient architectures.
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An amateur and his 400 treasured tiles
Evolution of the wadang culture 
An art of practicality and aesthetics
Codes to understand puzzling historic facts |