Golden Origin Eaves Tile Art

Author: Nie Baochang (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: August 1, 2006
Features: This book fills the in the collection and research of Jin Dynasty guanding (eave tile) artworks. It provides detailed images and rubbings of precious guanding artifacts from the Jin sources, serving as an important reference for Jin Dynasty culture studies while holding significant collection value. With the arrival of National Cultural Heritage Day, the second volume of the "Series on Folk Art of Ethnic Groups in the Heilongjiang River Basin," Jin Source Guanding Art," is about to go into print. We are relieved and filled with mixed emotions.
Guanding (eave tile) is an important component of ancient architecture, used to shield the ends of roof rafters from wind and rain, hence its name. Originally a practical item, it became a type of art that combines utility and decoration due to its decorative needs in its specific location. In terms of patterns and designs, they vary across different eras, regions, ethnicities, and cultures. Unfortunately, existing specialized studies on guanding art do not include dedicated chapters on the Jin Dynasty guanding. So, what exactly did Jin Dynasty guanding look like? And where can the most representative examples be found?
As everyone knows, the "Golden State" (Jin) was a regime established by the Jurchen people in northeastern China. It grew and flourished in the region, eventually founding its capital. After 38 years of establishment, the capital was moved from Shangjing to Yanjing. To study the culture of the Jurchen people, the most representative period is undoubtedly the "early Jin," and the most representative region is undoubtedly the "Jin Source." The "Jin Source" refers to the birthplace of the "Golden State," known as the "Shangjing Huining Prefecture," the capital of the Great Jin State.
To uncover the mysteries of Jin Source guanding, Mr. Nie Baochang has personally visited the Jin Source area dozens of times, interviewed nearly 100 individuals, and collected a wealth of valuable material, giving us a preliminary understanding of Jin Source guanding. Unlike the ancient and mysterious taotie (mythical beast) designs of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, or the luxurious styles of the Northern and Southern Dynasties and the Sui and Tang dynasties, Jin Source guanding is more rustic and bold, with a heavy use of human face motifs, depicting a variety of figures. This is unique to Jin Source guanding and a significant innovation of the Jurchen people.
Jin Source guanding are historical footprints left behind as ancient people created beauty. The diverse guanding we see today provide invaluable material for studying the palatial architecture, ethnic customs, folk culture, and even sculpture art of that rigidly hierarchical feudal society. We hope this specialized study on Jin Source guanding art will offer readers a valuable and researchable example of intangible cultural heritage, helping them gain a comprehensive understanding of folk art in the Heilongjiang River Basin.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Bai Gengsheng, Vice President and Secretary-General of the China Folk Literature and Art Association, for taking the time to write the preface for this series. The publication of this book has been greatly supported and assisted by the leaders and friends of the Provincial Propaganda Department, Provincial Press and Publication Bureau, Provincial Publishing House, Provincial Federation of Literature and Arts, and Provincial Fine Arts Publishing House. With everyone's dedicated efforts, the format, design, and content of this book have been fully realized. We express our heartfelt thanks here.
It is gratifying that we have once again contributed to the rescue and protection of China's intangible cultural heritage. This volume is being printed alongside Huzhe Ethnic Group Folk Painting, and the two books are being published simultaneously—a joyous and significant event for the folk literature and art community! The journey ahead is long and arduous.