Source: CCTV.com
02-03-2009 09:50
Special Report: 2009 Spring FestivalDuring the Spring Festival season, temple fairs across Beijing promoted the local culture through a diverse series of exhibitions. At the Beijing International Sculpture Park, a display of traditional gate piers drew hordes of spectators.
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| During the Spring Festival season, temple fairs across Beijing promoted the local culture through a diverse series of exhibitions. |
An old-style courtyard of Beijing always comes with a pair of imposing gate piers at its portal. Often made of stone, the gate piers are meant to serve as protection over the household. More than 300 pairs of gate piers were showcased at the exhibition hosted by the Beijing International Sculpture Park.
According to local tradition, the gate piers were a status symbol indicating the status and influence of the homeowner. Most wealthy families preferred to display a pair of lion sculptures at their portals.
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| According to local tradition, the gate piers were a status symbol indicating the status and influence of the homeowner. |
Deputy researcher from Beijing stone sculpture museum Liu Weidong said, "The gate piers are the eyes of a traditional courtyard, which is a symbol of Beijing city. In organizing the exhibition, we hope to raise the awareness of the traditional indigenous culture of Beijing."
Recent decades have seen most Beijing residents moving into high-rise apartment buildings, and gate piers have gradually faded out of people's daily life. These days, well-preserved gate piers have become a new favorite for collectors. Some private museums have set up special halls devoted to the tradition.
The exhibition at the Sculpture Park will last until mid February.
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Editor:Zhao Yanchen
