For centuries the Chinese used paper covered wooden lattice grilles in their windows. The lattice was often painted in black or dark red lacquer and decorated with gilt flowers and ornament. As the paper was translucent it was the shadow of the lattice design that was the window feature instead of actual views of the outside world.
Architectural Items
Architectural Elements, salvaged items
Where can I find good books on Chinese wood carvings, screens and architectural elements?
A recommended selection of the best books to read for those wanting to learn more and/or research about Chinese wood carvings, screens and architectural elements
Traditional Chinese houses – from the countryside into the city (with million dollar profits too)
Very interesting article in the China daily talking about the resale market for Ming and Qing dynasty Chinese traditional homes which are disassembled, transported, repaired and then resold to restaurants, clubs or wealthy collectors. Now this is an interesting topic which I could easily get lost in as it just touches on so many interesting elements from Hui Zhou […]
Red star over China – These temple carvings from the cultural revolution era sport politically correct themes
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 […]
Carved wooden architectural elements salvaged from traditional Chinese homes gain a new lease on life…
I have had this photo of a “Pai Lou” (牌楼) which has been sitting on my hard drive for ages. I snapped the image of this particular one, a few years back while buying salvaged wooden architectural elements, which we would then restore and create matching stands for providing them with a second life. This […]
A to Z: Restoring Chinese wood carvings, wooden screens and carved architectural elements.
Lets step into the workshop and see first-hand the complete process of restoring antique chinese window screens, wood carvings and wood panels.