Literati's Taste And Craftsmanshi

The Ming and Qing dynasties are the peak of the development of private gardens in the south of the Yangtze River.Interior zhuangzhe is an important part of garden architecture,and it gradually attractes attention of builders,which emphasize the integration of living and tourism.There are many kinds of interior zhuangzhe,and the creators are literati and craftsmen,who take charge of design and production.Literati lead the design as a “capable master”,they have the ability to design with a strong mind and passion through the way of writing,and participate in the practice.The craftsmen preside over the production and installation with skills.They are good at measuring,having exquisite craftsmanship.Based on a regionalized measurement system,the literati and craftsmen express design ideas and communicat with each other through patterns and tools.Interior zhuangzhe of the garden buildings reflects the distinctive literati interest and exquisite craftsmanship.The interest is reflected in four aspects: shape,decoration,space,and plaque.Shape includs appropriate form,size,and proportion.Decoration includs elegant pattern,color,and means.Space is separated and organized effectively by zhuangzhe,which merges internal environment with external environment.The garden architecture also highlights the environmental characteristics with the help of the plaques and couplets,which transform from the real to the virtual,and enhance the environmental spirit.The construction skills are reflected in four aspects:material,structure,craftsmanship and installation.The builder mainly selects regional materials,which are used reasonably and calculated accurately.The regional joinery work is self-contained,which is in the same vein as the big wooden work.As the main parts of interior zhuangzhe,woodwork,woodcarving,and paintwork were generally complex and multi-process,which ensure the high level of construction.The installation of interior zhuangzhe adopts effective methods,which shows the advanced,scientific and efficient characteristics of Jiangnan Construction.The interior zhuangzhe of private garden buildings in Jiangnan shows distinct regional characteristics.From the perspective of builder,the literati as the designer are rich and leisurely.They promote the design appearance with profound literary and artistic accomplishment.The craftsmen are creative and skillful.Both of them interpenetrate each other,interact closely,and coordinate creation.The characteristics of building interest are prominently reflected in design,practicality,thrift,art,aesthetics,and culture.The design showes the concept of taking the advantage of regional environment,the practicality emphasizes on function and application,the thrift means reducing complexity and extravagance which aims to advocate frugality.From the aspect of art,the literati have different ideas,someone follow the ancient system while others claim the new style.In the aesthetics,all the literati promote elegance and critique vulgarity.They combine poetry and painting together.The characteristics of construction techniques are manifested in material,structure,craftsmanship,and production.The builder respects nature material,the structure is firm,and the craftsmanship is suitable.Based on the reasons above,the production presents sophisticated for pleasure as the ultimate pursuit.Jiangnan has a vast territory.There are subtle differences in the construction interest and skills.The builders in southern Jiangsu are liberal and skillful,with exquisite and delicate craftsmanship.Builders in the middle of Jiangsu are tolerant and accessible,with luxurious and beautiful craftsmanship.Builders from northern Zhejiang are similar to those of southern Jiangsu in taste and craftsmanship.Builders from eastern Zhejiang have its own building system which presented diligence,thrift,and simple.The reasons for the above characteristics and differences around Jiangnan are inseparable from the natural environment,the highly developed commodity economy,the splendid and diverse cultural customs,and the elegant and poetic garden life in the south of the Yangtze River.Through the discussion on the builder,interest and skill of the interior zhuangzhe of Jiangnan private garden buildings in the Ming and Qing dynasties,the aim is to solve the decoration problem proposed by Jicheng in the Ming Dynasty,reveal the value of joinery work in gardens,show the wisdom of Jiangnan builders,enrich the research on gardens in the south of the Yangtze River,and promote the development of contemporary Chinese interior design and provide a reference for the protection of cultural heritage.