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| Tile-Ends |
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A Wadang (tile-end) is a particular piece of tile that is placed
over the last tile in each line of tiles on the traditional Chinese
roof. Therefore tile-ends are placed all the way along the eaves
of the sloping roof. They were important components of tiles in
ancient Chinese architecture and served as protective and decorative
functions.
Wadang adorned with molded designs was first manufactured during
the Western Zhou Dynasty (1100-771BC), but the use of stylized
characters as architectural ornaments appears to have developed
in the state of Yan during the Warring States Period. The tradition
flourished during the Qin (221-206BC) and Han (206BC-220AD) dynasties.
Western Han tile-ends are typically divided into two or four sections;
the winding, ropelike characters contained within are in relief
and adapted to fit within the confines of circular forms.
In the Han Dynasty, the technique of Wadang making reached its
peak. In this period, the design was elaborate and Wadang decorated
with Zhuan (seal scripts) came into being. The Zhuan calligraphy
on Wadang was mainly Xiaozhuan (lesser seal scripts) and the characters
were arranged orderly and equably, featuring simplicity and vigor.
The design of Wadang has a great variety and it is not only an
art that combines painting, craftwork and carving but also a result
of the combination of practicality and aesthetics. Wadang adds
much beauty to ancient architectures. Wadang not only presents
artistic enjoyment to people but also provides important material
reference for archeological estimation of ancient buildings. In
addition, Wadang is not only valuable materials about Chinese
calligraphy, seal engraving, painting and so on but also provides
some reference for study of politics, economy and culture in different
periods.
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