Aesthetic balance of architecture in the Forbidden City
The Outer Court
The Forbidden City consists of an outer and inner courtyard.
The halls of Supreme Harmony (Taihedian), Central Harmony (Zhonghedian) and Preserving Harmony (Baohedian) are core tripartite structures within the Outer Court.
Among the three remarkable architectural opuses, the Hall of Supreme Harmony, which has a total of 72 pillars supporting its double-eaved roof, is the largest existing wooden construction in China.
The vermilion red and golden ginkgo yellow are the main colors used to decorate the buildings in the Forbidden City. These two prominent colors convey majestic royal ambience and symbolize the supremacy of the emperor as well as the masculine charisma of the Forbidden City.
The Inner Court
In the contrast to the three main structures in the Outer Court, the inner courtyard embraces architecture that is tranquil with feminine elegance and delicate designs. The inner area of the Forbidden City was designed for the private use of the emperor and his family. The Palace of Heavenly Purity, the most spacious building, was the residence of the emperor. The palace has a throne that sits beneath a tablet with the motto “Let the righteous shine.”
∙ Last put on exhibition in 2015, Along the River During the Qingming Festival by Song Dynasty (960-1279) painter Zhang Zeduan is one of China’s most renowned paintings. A window into the past, the painting shows viewers how ancient Chinese celebrated the traditional Qingming Festival about 1,000 years ago.
∙ In 2017, the Palace Museum put on display A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains. Painted in 1113 by Song Dynasty artist Wang Ximeng when he was only 18-years-old, the 11.9-meterlong scroll depicts beautiful natural scenes containing mountains and birds. It is regarded as one of the greatest paintings on silk.
∙ To celebrate the
600th anniversary of the Forbidden City’s construction, the Palace
Museum is holding a special exhibition at the Wumen, or
Meridian Gate, exhibition hall.
The largest exhibition to be held since the
COVID-19 outbreak, it will run till November 15.