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the 

craftsmanship

Discover the ornamentations on the temple body.

The current Che Kung temple, in Japanese-style, was built in 1993–1994. It is eight times the size of the old one. The main hall contains a giant statue of Che Kung. Next to it is a fan-bladed wheel of fortune, which, worshippers believe, will bring good luck when turned three times. Fortune-tellers can be found within the temple.

INTRODUCTION

​column

All the columns were painted in red or reddish brown colour. They represent Lingnan style when combined with the green tiles.

Decorative brackets

There are two golden brackets under each beam. They are wooden structures that serve as a decorative.

Eave panels linking the columns

The ornamented wooden eave panels not only protect the internal structures of the temple.

 

But telling stories to the visitors there too. Each piece of sculpture represents a Chinese four-character idiom.

Doors & Windows

Chinese tracery polygon frame in the doors and windows looks poetic.

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Chinese door knockers were believed to have powerful mythic protective benefits.

 

These guardians were positioned on the door to prevent people of evil intentions from entering the house and to ward off ‘shar chi’. It is a powerful symbol that can provide potent protection against harmful people and dissolves bad energy and bring in happy blessings to the people inside.

red wall

Sculptures of mythical creatures (Dragon, Tiger, Turtle and Phoenix) look majestic on the red wall. Each of the four celestial emblems guards a direction on the compass.

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Turtle stands for the Northern guardian, Phoenix stands for the Southern guardian, Dragon stands for the Eastern guardian and Tiger stands for the Western guardian.

 

The animals served primarily an apotropaic function warding off evil spirits. Each animal has its own color: the Dragon is the Green of Spring, the Bird the Red of Fire, the Tiger of Autumn the glittering White of Metal (of ploughshares or swords), and the Tortoise Black, for night, or water.

GE1125 Architecture and Space in Chinese Culture |  2016/17 Sem A

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