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Auspicious Patterns on the Screen Walls
Combining the art of architecture, engraving,
calligraphy and painting, screen wall is a precious carrier of traditional
Chinese culture.
House owners in the past engraved their pursuit of a peaceful and wealthy
life on the screen walls. Through the combination of Chinese characters, plants,
animals and figures in myths or historical events, the patterns on brick
carvings compose a variety of auspicious expressions.
On the front side (facing the gate) of screen wall, there are usually brick
carvings of auspicious Chinese characters, such as Fu (good fortune), Lu
(wealth) and Shou (longevity). Sometimes there are patterns of pine and crane,
which are the symbol of longevity in China; or magpie on plum blossom, meaning
happiness; or peony and phoenix, implying wealth and honor.
Chinese brick carving is an imitation of stone carving. More economical than
and yet as durable as stone carving, brick carving, which can be as delicate as
woodcarving, was popular in ancient China.
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