CHENCHEN LU
TRADITION | MODERNITY
THE VILLAGE OF Shan Xia Bao 山下鲍
Independent Field Study of Shan Xia Bao, an ancient village in Xuanping, Zhejiang, China, 08/2013-04/2014
Researcher, Institute of Chinese Vernacular Architecture, Tsinghua University, dvisor: Prof. Qiuxiang Li
Shan Xia Bao is an ancient village in Xuanping County, Jinhua, Zhejiang Province that preserved most of its architecture from Ming and Qin dynasty. For three months during the winter of 2013, I conducted fieldwork on its architecture and history.
First, I did a detailed survey and documentation of the village’s overall plan, dwellings, family shrine, temple, bridges, pavilions, and production buildings. The architectural decorations of this village, including woodcarvings and mural paintings, were surprisingly exquisite. By observing and interviewing the villagers and studying the surviving genealogy books and ancient County Annals, I then reconstructed a brief history of this village from the Southern Song on. I realized that the village was greatly impacted by population migrations caused by the trade of Indigo-blue from Fujian to Zhejiang from late Ming Dynasty to early Qing Dynasty. Further field study revealed that the village was formed and developed because of the Indigo industry. I therefore focused my research on the interactions between the architecture and the complex commercial history of this village. I also finished a research report on this topic “The Village of Shan Xia Bao” which will be published by Tsinghua University Press as a book in the Rural China series.
ARCHITECTURE
Located in the mountainous area of Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, Shanxiabao was founded in the Song Dynasty (960 C.E.-1279 C.E.).
The village was developed along Golden Brook, facing east.
Most vernacular dwellings are triple house courtyards built by rammed earth and brick during Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 ).
The bridge over Golden Brook is the main public space where villagers gather and chat.
Another popular gathering space is called Dianmenkou (Shop Front). There used to be the commercial center of the village with a butcher's shop, grocery store, pharmacy and an ironing shop.
A drawing in the genealogy book. Shangxiabao is a lineage village. Most villagers have the family name Tu 涂.
Located at the entrance of the village, it faces north towards the village.
The tablets were organized according to the genealogy of the village.
The "White Gourd Beams" and luxurious wood carvings are the main characteristics of local architecture. The Ancestor Hall was built in 3rd Year of Qianlong 乾隆四年 (1741).
The Chinese character for deer is "Lu"鹿 which has the same pronunciation with "祿"(wealth.) Therefore it is one of the most popular motif in local architectural decoration.
Ancestor Hall
A widow with elaborate carving which tells the story of Libai, an Tang Dynasty scholar.
The table used to be placed in the main hall for ancestor worship and other rituals.
RELIGION AND CULTURE
Spirit Tablets in the Family Shrine.
The only ancestors' portait that survived. Produced in Qing Dynasty (1644-1912).
The locations of tombs are decided by Fengshui to bring good fortune to decedents.
The tablet was given by the Qing Dynasty Government to the Tu family for the family's longevity and good virtue.
The letter was written by the Tu family ancestor Tu Guowen in 1762 (乾隆二十七年). It declared the division of the family property to five sons.
Sanyuan Palace is bridge temple dedicated to three gods of Taoism. It is renewed every ten years. It held a reopening ceremony in November 2013
A local Taoist priest was invited to host the ceremony.
A huge stone at the entrance of the village was worshiped as Father Stone. Every child born in the village was claimed as its son. Villagers believe the Father Stone will protect the children from evil spirit.
Qingming Festival is to worship the dead. During this time, every family is making a special kind of food by mugwort. It is used as sacrifice.
