The largest glazed Nine Dragon Screen in China is found in Datong. It is the oldest one in China. It’s one of the four screens that are found in the country. Two are in Beijing (Beihai Park and Forbidden City) and one in Pingyao.
As you all know, though mythical, dragons are revered in China. You’ll find dragons in their calendars and other house decorations during the Chinese New Year celebration. Dragon dancing is also done at weddings, fairs, festivals, and other celebrations. If there’s a Chinatown in your city, there’s always dragon dancing involved in special Chinese celebrations/festivals.
If you look at them, you might find them boring, for sure, right? The craftsmanship, however, is very impressive! This screen is 600 years old.
This was built during the Ming Dynasty. It is 45.5 meters long, 8 inches high and 2 meters thick.
Let’s take a look at each dragon.
They are painted / glazed in different colors.
The dominant colours are: yellow, blue and purple.
If you look closer, each dragon is playing with a pearl and the sun and moon aside.
The background colours and carvings represent nature: rivers, mountains, and trees.
Nine-Screen Dragons are usually found in Imperial Palaces and are usually standing at the gate.
In China, dragons are the symbol of power.
They also stand good luck for those who deserve it.
Dragons are powerful that they are believed to bring (and can control) rain, flood and hurricane.
You might be wondering why there are 9 dragons on the screen, right?
That’s because 9 is a lucky number in China!
