Architecture Commons^™

Calligraphy Tablets In The Forbidden City, Jianrong Wang

Bridgewater Review

The calligraphy tablets hung over each main gate and building in Beijing’s Forbidden City, although often neglected by visitors, actually are special embodiments of traditional Chinese concepts either well known or maybe unexpected by their readers. Besides explaining architectural functions, the tablets also can be read as means of decorating the architecture, conveying political ideals, advocating academic achievements, expressing good wishes and depicting charming sceneries.