Descriptive Analysis of the Forbidden City - Essay Example

Descriptive Analysis of the Forbidden Beijing, China Essentially, the Forbidden was an imperial place in theancient Chinese civilization that ranged from the dynasties of Ming to the dynasty of late Qing. Currently, the Forbidden City accommodates the Palace Museum where virtually all the Chinese emperors have stayed at the place together with their households. This means that this place is a very important and historical place for both the Chinese people and the world as a whole. In addition, the Chinese government has used the place as a political and ceremonial center for close to 500 years. Since the area is a historical site having been in existence for close to 500 years, it is important to note that it contains many artistic features that can be very helpful for the modern art student for learning as well as for the professional person in the area of art. In relation to this background information, this paper provides a descriptive analysis of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. Having been constructed in Beijing between the periods ranging from 1406 to 1420, the Forbidden City is undoubtedly one of the most noticeable historical cities in China. This is mainly because it was built according to the ancient Chinese Architecture in addition to serving many purposes ranging from political, social, to religious. Indeed, the Forbidden City is a huge complex that has 980 buildings, meaning that it covers a very big area. In reality, the Forbidden City covers about 7,800,000 sq. ft. where the traditional building styles of China are clearly visible. In addition, there are many artifacts in the area making it a good place for any art student to do research about Chinese architecture. Since the Forbidden City was constructed over half a millennium ago, it is one of the biggest historical sites that the Chinese Museums have especially considering that the Place Museum is within the complex. More specifically, it is important to note that the Forbidden City as a historical center that hosts several artifacts has significantly influenced the way East Asia develops. For example, most buildings in East Asian have more or less followed the format that the Forbidden City used in its construction. Due to this beautiful aspect, the Forbidden City became a world Heritage Site in the year 1987 and people can therefore visit the area to see for themselves various pieces of art that have been lying there since it was constructed. In addition to all these qualities, the UNESC O declared the Forbidden City as having the most collection of wooden pieces that were constructed in the ancient ages. It is common knowledge that wood has been used by many generations for perfecting various pieces of art like building houses, tools, farm implements, and as weapon. This being the case, the Forbidden City has been under the custody of Palace museum since the year 1925 because such rich heritage needs to be protected. Perhaps one feature worth noting about the Forbidden City is the fact that both Qing and Ming dynasties promoted the Forbidden City in terms of artifacts and architectural designs that made the city to stand out. Additionally, the Museum that houses the Forbidden City is still one of the countries heritages despite the numerous civil wars that rocked china in the past. When it comes to the design of the Forbidden City, it confirms the claim by Yongle that there lies a symbolic importance in the city. In this respect, Beijing came up as a city that consisted of monumental climaxes. For example, Boulevards was very pronounced for being wide to the measurements of 20m by 45m with gates that are opposite to each other along the walls in a symmetrical manner. The gateways are very huge since they were meant for defensive purposes and the high walls served as architectural purposes. Unlike the rigid construction of the triangulated truss developed in the West, which inhibits expansion, the Chinese developed the beam frame system, capable of considerable extension, virtually in all directions. Timber columns of some length and girth were elaborately carved and rested on a stone base. Columns were held in both directions by beams, separated by short vertical members. Roof purlins were placed on these members, so avoiding straight lines. A cantilever bracket called tou-kung was used to carry the eaves overhang as far as possible, beyond the outermost columns. Major buildings had their long sides facing south, with subsidiary ones, often lower, on the east and west sides. The proportion and dimension of buildings increased With additional bays, without the need to introduce exaggerated forms of architectural mass as in traditional Western palaces. Large groups of buildings were composed of separate walled enclosures. Order to the plethora of graceful buildings was provided by the regularity of their arrangement and conformity of style. Progression in depth along the main axis introduced elements of ascent and descent by multiple platforms and the pure forms of concave and convex, through roofs and columns. Temples and palaces punctuated the skyline seemingly at random. The rigid discipline of the Chinese system along an axis also allowed asymmetrical elements to be introduced, such as the natural release of trees, lakes and canals. The mysterious art of feng-shui (wind-water) was used as an attempt to harmonize buildings, with natural forces. The principal approach to the Forbidden City was the central movement system, through an elaborate series of courtyards and gardens, neatly laid out. This sequence made use of multiple platforms and curving roof shapes. From the south, across the interlinked cities, the main axis led to the central gateways in the massive wall, which opened upon the paved way, between the Temple of Agriculture on the west side and the Temple of Heaven on the east, the most sacred place in China, representing the transitional stage between heaven and earth. Within the vast enclosure of the Altar to the God of Agriculture, the Emperor ploughed the first annual furrow to bless the earth and preserve its fertility. He also determined the cycle of the seasons to ensure good harvests. Read More