As the existing famous nine-dragon screen walls in China, Shanxi Province. the Datong Nine-Dragon Screen Wall is by far the oldest, biggest and most artistic. This 600-year-old glazed screen wall, 45.5 meters long, 8 meters high and 2.09 meters wide, was originally used for guarding the gate of the mansion of Prince Zhu Gui, the 13th son of the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). |
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According to the Chinese superstition, ghosts, devils can only travel in straight lines, so screen walls are usually placed before residency gates in order to block their paths. This 2.09-meter-thick screen wall and the glaring dragons can no doubt make their penetration difficult. The wall itself is inlayed with components of yellow, green, blue, purple, black and white glaze. On the wall, nine dragons are swirling vividly amid yellow clouds, blue mists, surfing waves and mountain cliffs. Of the nine, the central one, its bright eyes staring firmly into the distance, seems the most dignified and imposing. On seeing this, you may be amazed by the high carving craftsmanship of ancient Chinese people. |