Fasting Palace (Beijing, China) : Compound is surrounded by a double moat and double exterior wall

Creator:

Ming Chengzu, Emperor of China, 1360-1424

Published/Created:

Southeastern part of central Beijing, near West Gate 2 of the complex, Tianqiao South St. and Nanwei Rd., Beijing, Beijing Shi, municipality, China
ca. 1420

Physical Description:

40,000 m2 (area, palace compound)

Date Depicted:

6/5/2009

Materials:

painted wood; marble; stone

Notes:

One of the original structures of the complex, constructed during the reign of the Yongle Emperor (Zhu Di or Ming Chengzu). It functioned as a retreat for the emperor where he could prepare in advance of ceremonies, purifying himself for three days while abstaining from red meat, alcohol, music, entertainment and women. The palace compound is set in a square (symbolizing Earth) and faces due East to the central axis of the complex thereby symbolizing the Emperors obedience to Heaven; for this reason also the roof tiles are green, not the Imperial Yellow. The compound is surrounded by a double moat, crossed by arched bridges, and a double wall. Within the walled area is a private garden for the emperor. There are servant and guard quarters, the palace building, belfry and the "beamless" hall.

Variant Titles:

Palace of Abstinence

Topics:

Architecture -- China -- 15th century -- (YVRC)

Period/Style:

Ming dynasty, 1368-1644
Qing dynasty, 1644-1912

Culture:

Chinese

Accession Number:

1A2-CH-B-AH-E04

Genre:

architecture (AAT)
gardens (AAT)
houses: official residences: royal palaces (AAT)

Format:

Image

Content Type:

Sculptures, Models, & Architecture

Rights:

Copyright Scott Gilchrist, Archivision, Inc
The use of this image may be subject to the copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) or to site license or other rights management terms and conditions. The person using the image is liable for any infringement.

Access Restrictions:

Yale Community Only

Digital:

buildings; houses; official residences; palaces; royal palaces; open spaces; gardens

Source Creator:

Gilchrist, Scott

Source Title:

Archivision Addition Module Eight

Source Created:

2878 Chamonix, Montreal QC
Archivision, Inc.
6/5/2009 12:00:00 AM

Source Note:

Purchase, Visual Resources Collection, May, 2013; photographer Scott Gilchrist

Yale Collection:

Visual Resources Collection

Digital Collection:

Visual Resources Collection

Local Record Number:

4654

OID:

10900139

PID:

digcoll:1863116