Civilizational Canons · LC10

Architecture

Physical mortise-and-tenon joints, eaves soaring atop precipices: observing how ancestors constructed architectural and spatial engineering marvels across cliffs and wilderness.

15works

5dynasties

14authors

Architecture brings together classical writing that evokes building, palaces, pavilions, and designed space. Du Mu's Rhapsody on Epang Palace, Wang Bo's preface to the Prince of Teng's Pavilion, Ouyang Xiu's Old Drunkard Pavilion, and Yuan Hongdao's evening tour among the Six Bridges reveal how built spaces shape ritual, civic life, and landscape aesthetics.

Tang

4 works

618–907

  1. Preface to the Prince of Teng's PavilionWang Bo · Parallel ProseSunset clouds and solitary wild duck fly together; autumn waters and the boundless sky share a single hue.
  2. Rhapsody on the Epang PalaceDu Mu · Prose RhapsodiesThe men of Qin had no time to mourn themselves, so later generations mourn them; but if later generations mourn them without taking warning, they will only make still later generations mourn them in turn.
  3. Rhapsody on the Bright Hall · ExcerptLi Bai · Prose RhapsodiesLofty and vaulted is the Bright Hall, opening against the sky!
  4. Yellow Crane TowerCui Hao · Regulated OctavesAs the sun sets, where is my home village? Mist and waves on the river make one sorrow.

Song

4 works

960–1279

  1. Memorial on Yueyang TowerFan Zhongyan · Travel WritingBe the first to bear hardships for the world, and the last to partake in its joy.
  2. Record of the Old Drunkard PavilionOuyang Xiu · Travel WritingThe Old Drunkard's delight lies not in wine, but in the mountains and waters. The joy of mountain and stream is found in the heart and entrusted to wine. People know the joy of following their governor on excursions, yet know not that the governor finds his highest joy in their joy!
  3. Record of the Pavilion of Supreme Delight in HuangzhouSu Zhe · Travel WritingHow delightful this wind! Is it something I share with the common people?
  4. Canglang PavilionOuyang Xiu · Old-Style SongsThe clear breeze and bright moon are by nature priceless; what a pity they were sold for only forty thousand cash.