Current Status and Design Characteristics of the Remains of ‘Meandering Stream for Floating of Wine Cups(Qū shuǐ Liú shang)’ in China

Abstract

This research investigates and analyzes the distribution, creation period and creators, design characteristics, and process of change undergone by existing meandering streams used for the floating of wine cups(Liú shāng Qū shuǐ) in China. This study was conducted through literature review, fieldwork investigation and internet research. This research presented a categorization method and standard for discussion toward future research in this field by first categorizing Liú shāng Qū shuǐ facilities into five style categories: Lántíng style(A), Natural stream style(B), Cut stones excavation style(C), Broad natural rock carving style(D) and waterway style(E); this classification was carried out in addition to categorizing the Curved-stream banquet sites of B and C that are characterized by the stone carving style into the subcategories of Cut stones excavation and Broad natural rock carving styles. It is said that the ancient Liú shāng Qū shuǐ facilities of China are the product of natural landscape water systems and Pungryu(elegant lifestyle) culture; from the middle ages of the Tang and Song dynasties, garden forms changed to reflect miniascapes and an imitation of a landscape style, which represented a gradual transition from a tradition that entailed moderation in drinking and natural landscapes that copied Pungryu to those that were symbolic and placed more emphasis on games and amusement. Later in the modern Ming and Qing dynasties, the Cut stones excavation style became the mainstream approach for Curved-stream banquet sites. From this development, it seems that the Curved-stream banquet sites of China gradually evolved from Pungryu facilities used for water systems to garden facilities for amusement. However, the Lántíng⋅Natural stream⋅Cut stones excavation styles seem to have been continuously passed down in eclectic forms throughout all periods of Chinese history.