Classification of Ancient Platforms in China

The earliest foundation of ordinary abutment was all rammed earth, and later it was covered with bricks. For example, the abutments used in the stone reliefs in the Eastern Han Dynasty include Weiber, corner columns and inter-columns (some of which are added with buckets), and their shapes are basically the same as those of later generations. From the Southern and Northern Dynasties to the Tang Dynasty, the abutments were often staggered with bricks of different colors on the side, or decorated bricks with various patterns were pasted on the surface (such as the murals of Mingshashan Grottoes in Dunhuang, Gansu), or made into continuous pot doors (such as the stone carvings of Xingqing Palace in Xi 'an, Shaanxi). Please refer to Volume III of Architectural Style. There are many forms of expression in Song paintings, most of which are framed by stone strips embedded with tiger skin stones.

Compacted with plain soil or lime soil or broken brick concrete, about one foot high, often used in small buildings.

Higher stage foundation

It is higher than the common abutment, and white marble railings are often built on the abutment, which are used as secondary buildings in large buildings or palace buildings.

More advanced platform foundation

Sumeru, also known as King Kong. "Sumeru" is a mountain name in ancient Indian mythology. According to legend, it is located in the center of the world and is the highest mountain in the universe. During this period, the sun, moon and stars haunt it, and the three realms of heaven are also built by it. Sumeru is used as the base of a Buddha statue or shrine to show the greatness of the Buddha. The ancient buildings in China use Sumitomo to indicate the grade of the building. It is generally made of brick or stone, with concave and convex feet and decorative patterns on it, and white marble railings are built on the stage, which are often used in the main palace buildings in palaces and famous temples.