Cultural Revolution ERA CArvings
Stowe Sprague was kind enough to send me these interesting photos on her blog from her visit to the Tulou region of Nanjing county, Fujian province.
During her visit to a temple in the town of Taxialou, she noticed the temple’s architectural wood carvings had been replaced with “politically correct themes” rather then the traditional Chinese motifs. Apparently in order to evade destruction during the height of the cultural revolution, its care takers replaced them with more “patriotic ones.”
During the Cultural Revolution, diehards tried to wipe out “stupid and superstitious” religion and displays of wealth. Usually, they knocked heads off statues or scratched off painted faces. Patrons of this temple removed carved wooden figurines of religious figurines and replaced them with patriotic youth and soldiers so that the temple would be spared. The communist figurines remain today.
The cultural Revolution was a brutal period in Chinese history when the red guards swept throughout the country destroying the “four olds” and causing chao and violence. You can read more about this period below.
BURN, LOOT AND PILLAGE! DESTRUCTION OF ANTIQUES DURING CHINA’S CULTURAL REVOLUTION
A fascinating look at the consequence of the Chinese Cultural Revolution through the lens of its effect on Chinese antiques; from the destruction that followed to the clues that still remain today.
3 Responses
It’s sad that the Chinese had to do this, to their own cultural treasures, because of politicians. Let’s hope the regime doesn’t last much longer.
Chinese people believe a lot in Feng shui. May be this star is a symbol of prosperity and success according to Feng Shui..
“Chinese people believe a lot in Feng shui” – straight to the point.