Case-shaped Gate Blocks

After 1100, the outdoor parts of the menzhen stones were raised by a little, and later decorative lines were carved on them. Some people, in order to make the gate blocks more attractive, raised the gate blocks even higher, and enriched the simple lines with various designs. Gradually, the division between menzhen stones and the elevated parts became distinctive, with the upper parts shaped like a case and the lower, a sill supporting the case.

  Drum-shaped Gate Blocks

One day, a man carved a drum on top of a menzhen stone to announce a guest's arrival, and another man added lotus designs on the drum surface, making it more eye-catching. As a result, many people followed suit.

Later, the platform was also improved and beautified. Some were made into the shaped of lotus leaves in the water, which were not only beautiful but also auspicious, as the design (twin lotus flowers of the same root) represents happiness and harmony between husband and wife. This was the most popular gate-block design at that time.

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