The Research of Column Base Culture in Chinese Traditional Architectures

Abstract

As the traditional construction of stress components, column bases became a typical representative of the perfect unity of Chinese traditional architectural structure component and art component with its rich shapes and vivid carving. For thousands of years, column bases bearing the essence of Chinese traditional culture and religion in the form of objects, and it also showing the exquisite building techniques of Chinese architects in visual form of art. The evolution of pillar bases is not only the epitome of the development of Chinese traditional architectural decorative art, but also the indispensable bright spots of Chinese traditional architectural art. The column base, commonly known as “Sang Pan” or “column base stock”, which is the foundation under the column. It is a significant component under the column in wooden structure which could increase the stressed area, prevent moisture, keep smoothing as well as prevent the column from moving or sinking and strengthen the pressure. The column base was come into being for demand of enginery in ancient architechtures and had experienced the progress from hiding underground to cropping out. The changes of the column base’s position had made visual changes to the single straight column, with the function of load-bearing and decoration at the same time. For thousands of years, column bases bearing the essence of Chinese traditional culture and religion in the form of objects, and it also showing the exquisite building techniques of Chinese architects in visual form of art. The evolution of pillar bases is not only the epitome of the development of Chinese traditional architectural decorative art, but also the indispensable bright spots of Chinese traditional architectural art. The column base gradually become a perfect field where artists could display their skills and it gave artisans much possibility in its shape and decoration. 【１】Therefore, the column base has become the focal point of traditional architechture culture scholars because its decorative function is more than structural demand.