The city of Tianjin, with its fascinating blend of the old and the new, harbors historical gems that speak of a China of yesteryears. At the heart of this bustling city lies a traditional temple, a silent witness to the bygone eras. A stroll through this sacred place in February 2011 was an invitation to daydream and reflect on the cultural richness of China.
Mythical Guardians of the Roof
The captured snapshot depicts a fragment of the ancestral architecture that has long been the backbone of Chinese cultural identity. Perched atop the grey and black tiles, five mythical figures silently survey the surroundings. In tradition, these stone guardians are far more than mere ornaments; they are the protectors of sacred places, watching over the faithful and warding off evil spirits.
Art in the Timberwork
Beneath these stone sentinels, the architecture reveals a tangle of reddish and greenish beams, embellished with yellow motifs. The skill with which these wooden elements are assembled and decorated bears witness to a centuries-old craftsmanship. At the end of a beam, a suspended bell and a dragon head add a mystical aura to this architectural composition.
A Journey Back in Time
The background, with its silhouettes of traditional buildings emerging from the mist, adds a poetic touch to the scene. It’s a dive into the past, an escape to an era where craftsmanship and spirituality prevailed. The cold morning light filtering through the mist evokes a feeling of serenity and contemplation.