Research On Colour Paintings On Wood Structure Of Traditional Architecture In The Caozhou Prefecture

Due to various geographical, historical, climatic and productive factors, the communityof the Chaozhou region of the Guangdong province developed a characterized culturalheritage expressed in their dialect, custom, traditional architecture and decorative crafts. Thisthesis studies the rich and authentic traditional vernacular Caihua, architectural painting onwood structure, of Chaozhou. Through the recording of such surviving physical relics andliving building craftsmanship, it is anticipated that the knowledge of Chinese regional Caihuacan be supplemented, and the conservation and sustainable development of Chinesevernacular Caihua can be explored.The theoretical framework of this thesis will be established in the Chapter One. It willbegin by arguing that Chaozhou Caihua is a holistic cultural structure worthy of studyinginstead of a collage of elements. By laying down the objectives and innovations of this thesis,and presenting the panorama on the current researches on coloured pictures on architecturesand regional vernacular cultures, the foundation of this research is hereby confirmed.In Chapter Two, the three basic concepts of “Chaozhou”,“traditional architecture” and“Caihua on timber structure” are required to be verified on a scientific basis. The definition of“Caihua” evolves in each dynasty and in each region. Making reference to the rationale ofdefinitions in both formal traditional and other regional researches, the author makesadjustments to find a practical boundary best suited to the Chaozhou tradition for therecording and discussion in this paper. Then it comes to distinguishing terms like ancientbuildings, heritage buildings, historical buildings and traditional buildings, in order toascertain the collective subjects of study is a valid entity of academic value. Finally, theauthor attempts to explore what is “Chaozhou” culture from factors like historic origin,geographical environment, and ethnic development, thereby choosing the suitable periodicand regional boundary for studying this characterized architectural Caihua system.Architectural Caihua is more as a design rather than a pure art, meaning its existence,like all other architectural elements, must serve some social functions. Chapter Three is thediscussion on the artistic design of Chaozhou Caihua. In accordance with Chaozhou localconcepts, the author divides architectures in four types, residences, ancestral halls, DaoistTemples, and Buddhist Temples, by means of their social functions. The dispositions, themes,colours and compositions of Caihua found in each type is explained in relationship to therespective spatial organization and spiritual functions.Despite aesthetics and beliefs, no architectural behaviour can exist without the support ofobjective physical characters, execution system, material resources and technological standard.Chapter Four is about the scientific theory of Caihua, meaning the discussion on objectivefactors and techniques of its craftsmanship. Since Caihua must adhere onto timber structure,the first sub-section analysis the reason and characters of the timber most commonly used inChaozhou buildings, Chinese Fir. Apart of The application of coloured pictures on buildingsincludes, a water based, cement based, and the two more permanent methods of either plasticbased (use of lacquer) and oil based (use of tong-oil). This chapter is largely on the recordingand analysis of the craftsmanship of Lacquer Caihua and Tong-oil Caihua in Chaozhou,including their origins, developments, and conservations.The Final Chapter is devoted to exploring the plausible course for the conservation and sustainable development of Chaozhou Caihua. Firstly, Chaozhou Traditional Caihua may beconsidered historic fabrics, and the policies, approaches, methods, and techniques for thepragmatic preservation and restoration of these relics should be found, as an indispensablecomponent of the local conservation projects. Alternatively, it may be treated as an IntangibleCultural Heritage, and the sustainable development of its artistic expression andcraftsmanship may be investigated. Finally, a more holistic view maybe adopted, by makingreference of the arts and crafts of Chaozhou Caihua as architectural design inspirations, or bypresenting or interpreting the cultural value of Chaozhou Caihua, to promote the publicappreciation of Chinese architecture or regional tradition, whereby Chaozhou Caihua cancontribute to the wider Chinese culture.