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.

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.

The diversified themes of brick carving can be divided into the following types:

1. Geometric patterns: meander pattern (symbol of continuity), swastika pattern (symbol of good fortune), cloud patter, water patter, etc.

2. Flowers and plants: plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum, peony, lotus, pinewood, narcissus, crab apple, peach blossom, Chinese rose, etc.

3. Animal: mouse (a symbol of offspring), elephant (good luck), lion (good omen), horse (bringing in wealth), ox (abundant rainfalls for crops), crane (longevity), monkey (official rank), deer (official rank), grackle (happy marriage), bat (good fortune), cormorant (good results in exams which lead to official rank), magpie (happy event), fish (affluence), etc.

4. Fruits: water melon (offspring), peach (longevity), apricot (happiness), sweet melon, gourd (offspring), etc.

5. Figures in myths or historical events, such as Fu, Lu and Shou (stars of blessings, prosperity and longevity), Eight Immortals in myths, etc.

6. Utensils: brush, cup, pot, furnace, copper cash, the four arts of the Chinese scholar (zither, chess, brush, painting), etc.