Artist： Ancient Chinese Craftsmen
Year：Ming Dynasty
The caisson ceiling is a decorative element adorning the interior ceiling or top of a building, composed of quadrilaterals, octagons, circles, and stacked forms. The center features a wooden carving in the shape of a loong, symbolizing supreme power and status. With its intricate geometric patterns and exquisite craftsmanship, the caisson ceiling’s symmetrical and modular design provides rich visual effects and design inspiration for my project.
When I first saw this caisson, I was deeply moved. The caissons in the Forbidden City
are quite different from those in the Dunhuang murals. Dunhuang caissons mainly employ
painting techniques, whereas the Forbidden City’s caissons integrate both painting and carving
techniques, displaying a more three-dimensional artistic effect. The caisson in the Hall of
Supreme Harmony is structured into three layers: the top is round, the bottom square, and
the middle octagonal. A golden dragon carved inside symbolizes the solemnity and splendor
of ancient Chinese royalty. Caissons are symbols of the hierarchical system in ancient Chinese
feudal society, exclusively built and owned by the royal family and their deities.
4 Comments
Add Yours →This decoration of the Forbidden City looks more ornate and three-dimensional than the previous decoration in Tibet. It looks very different from the tops of traditional European buildings. Why does this picture look so different from the Versailles zenith, despite the use of painting techniques, and is it because of special pigments?
The caisson ceiling in the Palace Museum is a stunning masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture. The elaborate wooden carving of the dragon, symbolising power and divine protection, combined with the intricate geometric patterns, truly showcases the artistry of the Ming Dynasty craftsmen. The way these elements are structured to draw the eye upwards toward the centre is absolutely mesmerising. What a breathtaking example of historical art and symbolism!
Oh my goodness! I’ve been to the Forbidden City before, but I didn’t see this exquisite caisson! I want to go again, it’s so beautiful!
I really love traditional Chinese architecture!