Huabiao

Huabiao (simplified Chinese: 华表; traditional Chinese: 華表; pinyin: huábiǎo) is a type of ceremonial columns used in traditional Chinese architecture. Huabiao are traditionally erected in front of palaces and tombs. The prominence of their placement have made them one of the emblems of traditional Chinese culture. When placed outside palaces, they can also be called bangmu (simplified Chinese: 谤木; traditional Chinese: 謗木; pinyin: Bàng mù; literally: "commentary board"). When placed outside a tomb, they can also be called shendaozhu (Chinese: 神道柱; pinyin: Shéndào zhù; literally: "spirit way columns").

Structure

Extant huabiao are typically made from white marble. A huabiao is typically made up of four components. At the bottom is a square base, called a sumeru base, which is decorated with bas-relief depictions of dragons, lotuses, and other auspicious symbols. Above is a column, decorated with a coiled dragon and auspicious clouds. Near the top, the column is crossed by a horizontal stone board in the shape of a cloud (called the "cloud board"). The column is topped by a round cap, called the chenglupan (承露盤) "dew-collecting plate" (see fangzhu). At the top of the cap sits a mythical creature called the denglong (Chinese: 蹬龙), also called a hou (Chinese: 犼), one of the "nine children of the dragon", which is said to have the habit of watching the sky. Its role atop the huabiao is said to be to communicate the mood of the people to the Heavens above.