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'Dougong' () is a unique structural element of interlocking wooden brackets, one of the most important elements in traditional Chinese architecture. It first appeared in buildings of the late centuries BC and evolved into a structural network that joined pillars and columns to the frame of the roof. ''Dougong'' was widely used in the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC) and developed into a complex set of interlocking parts by its peak in the Tang and Song periods. Since the ancient times when the Chinese first began to use wood for building, joinery has been a major focus and craftsmen cut the wooden pieces to fit so perfectly that no glue or fasteners are ever necessary.^[1]

Contents

Function

Footnotes

External links

Function

Dougong is part of the network of wooden supports essential to the timber frame structure of traditional Chinese building because the walls in these structures are not load-bearing, being made of latticework, mud or other delicate material. Walls functioned to separate and divide spaces in the structure rather than to support weight.^[2] The function of ''dougong'' is to provide increased support for weight on the horizontal beams that span the vertical columns or pillars by transferring the weight on horizontal beams to the vertical columns. Adding multiple sets of interlocking brackets or ''dougong'' increase the amount of weight transfered.
Multiple interlocking bracket sets are formed by placing a large wooden block (''dou'') on a column to provide a solid base for the bow-shaped brackets (''gong'') that add support to the beam above it.^[3] This process can be repeated many times, and rise many stories, increasing the amount of weight a column can support to an almost endless degree. It also allows structures to be elastic and to withstand damage from earthquakes.
During the Ming Dynasty an innovation occurred through the invention of new wooden components that aided ''dougong'' in supporting the roof. This allowed ''dougong'' to add a decorative element to buildings in the traditional Chinese integration of artistry and function, and bracket sets became smaller and more numerous.^[4] Brackets could be hung under eaves, giving the appearance of graceful baskets of flowers while also supporting the roof.^[5]
The Bao'en Temple in Sichuan is a good example of the Ming style. It has forty-eight types and 2,200 sets of ''dougong'' to support and ornament it.^[6]

Footnotes

1. Chinese Architecture, , Nancy W., Steinhardt, Yale University Press, 2002, ISBN 0-300-09559-7
2. Chinese architecture
3. Chinese Architecture – The Origins of Chinese Architecture, , Lui, Xujie, Yale University Press, 2002, ISBN 0-300-09559-7
4. Chinese Architecture – The Yuan and Ming Dynasties, , Pan, Guxi, Yale University Press, 2002, ISBN 0-300-09559-7
5. Dougong Brackets(斗拱 Dougong)
6. Ancient Charm Remains Intact

External links

★ Dougong Brackets (斗拱 Dougong)

★ 略析中国古建筑的斗拱 Dougong of ancient architecture in China

★ Arts of China to A.D. 900 (excerpt about dougong)

★ Chinese architecture