Dragon Patterns in Sui Dynasty and Anji Bridge

Dragon pattern is a traditional auspicious pattern in ancient China. You can see it as early as three generations of bronzes. After thousands of years' circulation, the dragon pattern has gradually become the representative of China. The appearance and morphological characteristics of dragon patterns change with the times. Generally speaking, the dragon images in Han Dynasty and Yuan Dynasty are the most common. Dragon patterns in Han dynasty are generally found in buildings and tomb decorations, such as tiles and sarcophagus. Dragon patterns after the Yuan Dynasty can be seen in porcelain, clothing, architecture and many other aspects.

What are the dragon images in Sui and Tang Dynasties? Generally speaking, the dragon pattern in the Tang Dynasty is more common on vessels, gold and silver vessels prevailed in the Tang Dynasty, and dragon patterns can be seen in many vessels in the Tang Dynasty. So, what about the dragon pattern in the Sui Dynasty? If you mention the dragon pattern in the Sui Dynasty, you can't help but mention the world-leading building in the Sui Dynasty-Anji Bridge.

Anji Bridge is located in Zhaozhou, Hebei Province, commonly known as Zhao Zhouqiao. Locals call it "Dashiqiao". Founded in the Sui Dynasty, the designer is Li Chun, an outstanding craftsman in the Sui Dynasty, and it was built in 605 AD. After the completion, it was repaired in all dynasties, but by the end of the Qing Dynasty, the bridge had been seriously damaged. During the period from 1952 to 1956, Zhao Zhouqiao carried out a controversial overhaul. The changed bridge shape and construction technology make this ancient bridge exist in name only. However, it is still considered as the oldest and most complete long-span single-span open-shouldered arch bridge in the world.

Although Zhao Zhouqiao has lost its original quaint features after restoration. But the most important architectural features of Zhao Zhouqiao have not been erased. Facts have proved that this hollow design of the bridge seems ordinary, but in fact it is a great pioneering work leading the world. Liang Sicheng had been here in the early 20th century and was full of praise for Anji Bridge.

"This kind of open arch-shoulder structure didn't appear in Europe until the end of 19, which lasted for 200 years. Therefore, in the history of engineering, there are priceless miracle treasures. ..... This priceless national treasure is about to be destroyed. "

The open arch in Liang Sicheng's mouth actually means open-shouldered arch bridge. In Europe, this hollow design of arch bridge did not appear until the end of 19. The general bridge is exactly the same as the arch design in the past. We can see that the Arc de Triomphe in Paris is the design of this kind of shoulder-folding arch.

Generally speaking, the space on the arch will be used as a display platform for gorgeous reliefs, but Anji Bridge is located on the river where the river may surge. The closed shoulder arch can not help flood discharge, but will increase the probability of the bridge being washed away.

In addition to the unique architectural creation in the world, the sculpture art of Anji Bridge is also a classic of the Sui Dynasty. There are carvings on the watchtower, sky stone and railing of Anji Bridge, among which the dragon pattern is the most exquisite. However, Anji Bridge was in disrepair for a long time, and the railing fell into the water. Unexpectedly, it will remain as it is. 1952 When the bridge was overhauled, it was rediscovered in the mud under the bridge.

The dragon pattern on the railing of Anji Bridge has different shapes, some are intertwined, and some are expressed in different ways. The double dragons are intertwined, and the dragon head is next to the other dragon tail, which is very unique in the decoration of ancient buildings.

Shuanglong wears away the stone is the most special dragon pattern expression of Anji Bridge. Ssangyong has a huge head and horns, and its body is like a beast. Both ends of the head and tail extend out of the crevices, and the dragon body is interrupted and disappears into the crevices. This method can not only show the dynamic distortion of the dragon body, but also show the complex and changeable dragon drive in a narrow space. The dragon pattern on the railing of Anji Bridge just reflects the style of the Sui Dynasty.

Anji Bridge has outstanding performance in architecture and art, and is highly praised by scholars at home and abroad. Although most foreign scholars are surprised by its world-leading architectural level, this alone is enough to show the highly developed level of ancient architecture in China. No wonder Joseph Needham said with a sigh after understanding Zhao Zhouqiao:

"The curved arch bridge is regarded as a great masterpiece in the west, and Li Chun, an outstanding craftsman in China, built an arch bridge around 6 10, which can reflect it and even have superior skills."