METALLIC ARCHITECTURE OF CHINA IN LATE MIDDLE AGES: TYPOLOGY AND ARTISTRY

Abstract

The article considers the use of copper-alloy and iron casting technology in China from the Song dynasty (960–1279 AD) to the Qing dynasty (1644–1912 AD) inclusive. The architectural typology covers cult buildings – Buddhist and Tibetan-Buddhist pagodas, Taoist temples, and secular park pavilions. The specifics of the technology and artistic expressiveness distinguishing Chinese metallic architectural structures are identified based on concrete examples using the formal stylistic method of art analysis and technical analysis method. It is concluded that the metallic architecture did not work out new structural and art forms, the casting technique reproducing the structures and décor of wooden prototypes. This was associated with both the conservatism of visual perception and centuries-long standardized forms of cult and palace architecture. The casting technology potentialities enabled the structural and decorative features of wooden prototypes to be reproduced in every detail.