Arched Gate Pillar Stone Art

Author: He Ping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: Door Piers, stone or wooden supports at both ends of the gate pivot. Typically made of stone. They stand beside the gate frame, like a pillow, hence also called door pillow stones or threshold stones. They are iconic permanent structures placed at both ends of the gate tower in quadrangle entrances. The inner part of the door pier supports the gate, while the outer part is often carved with birds, animals, and floral designs, also known as drum-shaped or column-hugging decorations. The drum-shaped part is the convex, drum-like and box-like feature on the exterior of the door pier, while "column-hugging" refers to the sea (a hollowed-out base) of the door pier, which frames the gate pivot. The carvings on door piers mostly employ shallow relief, high relief, openwork, and round carving techniques, with some using simple line carvings. They often convey a refined and elegant demeanor. Door piers—seemingly we all have had a close encounter with them. Perhaps because they are too familiar, we have unknowingly let them gradually fade from our lives! We haven’t even taken a single photo with a door pier. Until one day, the door pier comes looking for you in a dream, and you realize how loyal it has been to you. Upon waking, you may be moved to tears, but once you dry your eyes, you’ll quickly forget about it again! Humans—such forgetful creatures. In fact, on our life’s journey, there are countless figures and events worth remembering forever.