Bulletin of Catholic University of Peking

CHINESE ARCHITECTURE

Dom Adelbert Gresnigt, O.S.B.

ULLETIN No. 3 contained the

letter of Archbishop Celso Costantini, Delegate Apostolic to China, on the need of developing a SinoChristian architecture for our-Catholic Missions. This problem he considered from four different aspects, formulating his position with reference to the last of these in the following terms: “Nor let it be said that Chinese architecture does not lend itself to the building of our churches.”’ In the present article, I shall endeavor to describe briefly the characteristics and importance of Chinese architecture, concluding with certain observations on the problem of adapting it for the building of Catholic church edifices here in China.

The type par excellence of Chinese architecture is the Chinese Temple Hall, which constitutes, as a rule, the main building in an ensemble of edifices situated within an enclosure. The typical Chinese temple-ground is divided into a number of courts, with the axis of the main structures and Honor Gates directed towards the South. Having entered the premises, one traverses a series of courtyards similar in conception to the antrims and _peristyles of the Roman Basilica style. These are often very poetic and breathe an atmosphere of peace. They are enlivened and adorned by beautiful old trees whose tortuous branches form a line-motive that contrasts with the

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stiff rows of pillars of the surrounding colonnades.

The various courtyards communicate by means of a succession of gateways. The latter are all erected in the same axis, and through their wideopen portals one enjoys a surprising view of perspective that almost doubles the actual distance.

As one advances through the courtyards, the buildings grow in importance. Their proportions increase and their ornamentation becomes more elaborate. All the wooden parts are covered with vivid enamel-like tints, which are harmonized by intersecting lines and contours of gold.

As one emerges from the last gate-

way, a ponderous edifice, the Temple

proper, looms up before his gaze. Religious and mysterious is the impression. The ensemble consisting of the main Temple, facing southward and flanked to East and West by minor temples, appears to diffuse an atmosphere of cloistral quiet and meditation. Restful and tranquilizing are the horizontal lines of base and balustrade which compose the terrace whereon the temple reposes.

The verticals of the columns forming the portico divide in harmonious proportions the facade of the Temple. The ornamented architrave and beams sustain a magnificent roof in glazed yellow ochre tile, which appears to rest with comfort upon the underlying