There are numerous types, styles, and colors of traditional Chinese windows. They combine a beauty beyond compare with practicality. If the spirit of Chinese windows could be transferred to modern architecture, then the opening of a window would not merely let in fresh air and light but would have the effect of beautifying our lives as well.
The basic material used in Chinese architecture is wood, with the main structural elements being pillars and beams. Doors and windows, supported by these structural elements, can vary in shape remarkably. One of the special characteristics of Chinese architecture is its harmony with nature. Windows play an important part in this, allowing a feeling of wind, rain, and light to pass through. In fact, a cursory examination of Chinese poetry will reveal many references to this aspect of the window's function.
When windows first appeared in China is not known, but as early as the Han (206 BC - AD 219) there were already ceramic models of houses featuring windows. Most of them were rectangular but triangular, round, and other shapes also appear. Diagonal latticed windows predominated in this period. The Fokuang Temple, one of the oldest still existing structures, dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618 - 906). By the time it was built straight latticed windows had become the most popular style.
After the Sung Dynasty, window designs became more complex and varied, reaching a climax in the Ming (1368 - 1643) and Ching (1644 - 1911). The windows found in the gardens of Soochow are most representative of this trend.
Architectural historian, Li Chien-lang, feels there are two main reasons for this development. First, as windows are made of wood, they are very difficult to preserve. Thus, there are very few windows still surviving from pre-Ming times. This makes it appear that there were an exceptional number of variations in the Ming-Ching period. Second, and perhaps more important, is that after the Sung, the common people began to accrue larger sums of money and were able to spend more for the decoration of their homes. This trend was especially true south of the Yangtse River where Soochow is located.
There are four basic styles of Chinese windows: keshan, chienchuang, chihchaichuang, and the hengpi.
The keshan is placed between the lintel on top and the threshold below. If it can open, it is a door, if not a window. The keshan is divided into four parts which correspond to the human anatomy. The top (head) is usually embellished with a carved swastika motif while the sides are not touched. Below that is the part of the window which admits light and air (upper torso). This part is as tall as an adult and usually latticed. The most prevalent designs for the lattice work are square or diagonal slats, though there are, of course, many others.
The keshan is the window most often seen for interior-interior and interior-exterior usage. The interior-interior is covered with paper or gauze to preserve privacy while the interior-exterior is not. In this former case, carvings are usually not very deep and the lower portion of the window is left uncarved because it would come into frequent contact with children.
If the lower two portions of the keshan window are removed and replaced with stone or waddle wall, then the result is the chienchuang. The chihchaichuang is a form of chienchuang which is divided into two parts. The upper half can be pushed out while the lower half can be removed. This practical and beautiful window, is usually only pushed open at the top and the bottom panel is rarely removed.
Li Chien-lang commented the reason the chihchaichuang is divided is that it is convenient to push open the top while if the entire window were removed it would not only be difficult but unsightly as well. In addition, with the lower panel in place, the privacy of those inside is preserved. However, once the top is pushed open the large gap allows strong winds to enter and also exposes the upper portion of the room. Therefore, the chihchaichuang is used primarily in garden pavilions and studies.
The fourth type of window, the hengpi, is very common. It is a horizontal window placed above the lintel and its main use is ventilation as only a little light can pass through it.
Chinese architecture divides walls into two types: exterior and interior. The outside walls are those surrounding the house and garden, the living compound. The windows found in exterior walls are exterior-exterior, and their main function is framing. In Soochow gardens these exterior windows are very common and they appear not only flush against the wall but are often layered. Layering not only adds beauty but from different angles and in different light, the shape of the window changes.
The shapes of these exterior windows are varied and unregulated. However, there are strict regulations governing the bars in the windows. There must be an odd number of bars leaving an even number of spaces. This is because in Chinese geomancy great importance is placed on the yin-yang philosophy. According to this philosophy bars which are solid are yang and thus odd; while spaces are yin and even.
Fortunately the beauty of Chinese windows is not a thing of the past. More and more, Chinese designers and architects are returning to tradition when designing buildings, offices, and homes. Around the island new buildings appear sporting traditional windows which add a touch of beauty and elegance, ensuring the preservation and development of this aspect of Chinese architecture.
[Picture Caption]
1. The chihchaichuang is a very common window. It is divided into two parts. The top half can be pushed up and the lower half can be removed. 2,3. Exterior windows. They help ventilate the beams and prevent moisture from accumulating.
1. The hengpi window above and the keshan below. 2. Delicate lattice work. 3. A "moon window" in a study allows more light to enter for reading. 4. The design for a hengpi is more condensed to prevent bats and small birds from getting in. 5. It is said that there is a sad story behind every window. What does it mean when the window is shut? 6. The chienchuang in an old home. 7. There must be an odd number of bars in the window leaving an even number of spaces in accordance with geomantic and yin-yang regulations.
1. In this wall there is a straight latticed window surrounded by two green porcelain windows. 2. This more modern, Western window, gives people a different sort of feeling. 3,4. The kehsin is the most important part of the keshan window. 5. The hexagonal window in this brick wall is another example of the chihchaichuang, the top opens up.
1. A chienchuang window. 2. A good example of the intricate design of the hengpi 3. A keshan window in the Tainan Confucian Temple. 4. A chihchaichuang made of bamboo used for a temporary stage at a folk arts festival. 5. Blue horizontal lattice work. 6. A carved stone window. 7. A bamboo post window in Taichung. 8. This window in the Lin family home in Wufeng is considered to be the most beautiful window in Taiwan. 9. The design in this window is called the "medicinal dragon oven." 1O. A carved stone window.
1. This modern Western style window has a feeling of the traditional "moon window". 2. Although this fan-shaped window cannot let in the autumn breeze, still it brings some of the some of the elegance of traditional Chinese architecture. 3. Windows in a new building in Taipei. 4. The windows in a modern office building are normally kept shut to keep out noise and pollution. 5. A beautiful combination of the traditional and the modern in this study window.
2,3. Exterior windows. They help ventilate the beams and prevent moisture from accumulating.
2,3. Exterior windows. They help ventilate the beams and prevent moisture from accumulating.
1. The hengpi window above and the keshan below.
2. Delicate lattice work.
3. A "moon window" in a study allows more light to enter for reading.
4. The design for a hengpi is more condensed to prevent bats and small birds from getting in.
5. It is said that there is a sad story behind every window. What does it mean when the window is shut?
6. The chienchuang in an old home.
7. There must be an odd number of bars in the window leaving an even number of spaces in accordance with geomantic and yin-yang regulations.
1. In this wall there is a straight latticed window surrounded by two green porcelain windows.
2. This more modern, Western window, gives people a different sort of feeling.
3,4. The kehsin is the most important part of the keshan window.
3,4. The kehsin is the most important part of the keshan window.
5. The hexagonal window in this brick wall is another example of the chihchaichuang, the top opens up.
1. A chienchuang window.
5. Blue horizontal lattice work.
6. A carved stone window.
7. A bamboo post window in Taichung.
8. This window in the Lin family home in Wufeng is considered to be the most beautiful window in Taiwan.
2. A good example of the intricate design of the hengpi.
3. A keshan window in the Tainan Confucian Temple.
4. A chihchaichuang made of bamboo used for a temporary stage at a folk arts festival.
9. The design in this window is called the "medicinal dragon oven.".
1O. A carved stone window.
1. This modern Western style window has a feeling of the traditional "moon window".
2. Although this fan-shaped window cannot let in the autumn breeze, still it brings some of the some of the elegance of traditional Chinese architecture.
3. Windows in a new building in Taipei.
4. The windows in a modern office building are normally kept shut to keep out noise and pollution.
5. A beautiful combination of the traditional and the modern in this study window.
@List.jpg?w=522&h=410&mode=crop&format=webp&quality=80)
@List.jpg?w=522&h=410&mode=crop&format=webp&quality=80)
@List.jpg?w=522&h=410&mode=crop&format=webp&quality=80)
