A Study Of Suzhou Garden Carvings In The Ming And Qing Dynasties

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties,the Engraving culture prospered in Suzhou Gardens that represented by the Lingering Garden,Yiyuan Garden,and Lion Garden.The owners of these gardens organized several calligraphy engraving activities that has influenced so far.By taking field trips and referencing to the local chronicles compiled by Suzhou Gardens and Greening Administration,“Cong Tie Mu “(Rong Geng,1986)and “Rong Geng Za Zhu Ji“(Rong Geng,2014),this essay studies the Engravings and its culture in Suzhou Gardens from three aspects: the rise of the Engraving culture,the current status of the Engravings and the profound meaning of the Engravings.First of all,the unique historical and cultural background has contributed to the rise of Engraving culture in Suzhou Gardens.During the Ming and Qing Dynasties,the construction of Suzhou Gardens has reached a historical peak and most owners of these gardens are well-educated upper class.This essay discusses the social,cultural and economic environment that provoked the Engraving cultures in Suzhou Gardens.Second of all,this essay investigates and verifies the Engravings in Suzhou gardens,by mainly focusing on the following aspects: the general status of the Engravings,the owners and the names of the Engravings,the origins and the authenticity of the Engravings as well as the standard of engraving collecting in gardens.Last but not least,this essay analyses and reveals the profound and significant meanings the Engravings in Suzhou Garden has brought to not only gardens themselves but also the development of calligraphy in Wumen area.