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August 3, 2014

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Pictorial dictionary — Ornamental Column

Source: Shanghai Daily | August 3, 2014, Sunday | Print Edition

华表 (huábiǎo)

Huabiao is an ornamental column in ancient Chinese architecture, which dates back to the years of Emperor Yao (2356-2255 BC), a legendary ruler in the country.

It is said that Emperor Yao had wooden tablets erected at crossroads as boards of commentary to solicit public opinions and criticism of his administration. But it later lost its original function and became a symbolic part of palaces and mausoleums.

Today, we find such columns are almost all made of white marble or stones.

The best-known pair of Huabiao in the country today are the two located in front of Tian’anmen Square in Beijing. They have already become one of the emblems of China.


 

Now and Then


 

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