'Heaven round, earth square': architectural cosmology in late imperial China

Abstract

This text-based study aims to refute the position of daoqi(*) fentu which, held by several sinologists, is interpreted by the author as meaning the absence of theory in the art of bUIlding in China of mid-imperial and later times. In method, a cosmological schema is first established and its presence shown throughout all architectural writings, identified by the author as standing for different 'ratios' between theory and practice, so as to verify an uninterrupted connection between the two. A prerequisite for the whole research is that Yangzhai (human dwellings) writings are recognised as part of the proper documentation for Chinese architectural studies.

The conceptual schema is extracted from a broad survey of Chinese culture within the scope of the Chinese cosmological adage that "tiilnyuan difang' ("heaven round, earth square"). This results in the identification of an inner structure, the interplay of cyclicity and fixity.

The writings for examination are grouped in three categories: the scholarly literature (theory), Yangzhai writings (intermediary), and building craftsmen's manuals (practice). All three are examined selectively in order to explore several representative common themes. The conclusion is that the interplay of cyclicity and fixity is fully perceptible in one way or another in all of them. In this way the thesis is supported.

However, this does not mean that the position of daoqi(*) fentu is invalidated in all its aspects; rather, the completion of the study provides only a piece of counter-evidence. Also, the dates of the major materials available allow the research only to reflect the situation of late imperial times.