Diversity in the Great Unity: Regional Yuan Architecture

Timber-framed architecture has long been considered an embodiment of Chinese civilization, but Lala Zuo's book "Diversity in the Great Unity" argues that during the Yuan dynasty, the tradition of "Han-Chinese" architecture as coded, uniform, and controlled by the central government did not take hold. She presents case studies of twenty buildings along the Yangtze River built during the Yuan, often considered a transitional phase in Chinese architectural history. The book explores the regional traditions of Chinese architecture, connecting them to periods before and after the Yuan and discussing how the division of regional traditions contributed to the transformation of dynastic styles. It also offers a re-evaluation of Chinese society in light of cultural and religious diversity under Mongol rule.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 248 pages
\n Publication date: 30 October 2019
\n Publisher: University of Hawai'i Press
\n

Timber-framed architecture has held a revered place in the perception of Chinese civilization, representing a hierarchical society governed by Confucian orthodoxy. Throughout its rich history, Chinese architectural design has been meticulously regulated by court-enforced building codes, resulting in a highly standardized and modular system. In her groundbreaking work, Diversity in the Great Unity: The First In-Depth English-Language Examination of Regional Traditions of Chinese Architecture Based on a Detailed Study of the Timber Construction System, Lala Zuo challenges the notion that during the nearly century-long Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), the tradition of "Han-Chinese" architecture as coded, uniform, and controlled by the central government gained widespread traction. Instead, she presents a comprehensive exploration of twenty buildings along the Yangtze River, often considered a transitional phase in Chinese architectural history.

Each of these structures boasts firm dates, and they are analyzed in depth based on factors such as patronage, chronology, and function. Zuo's analysis is accompanied by numerous photographs and line-drawings, providing a visual accompaniment to her scholarly insights. By referencing Yuan architecture in the north China region along the Yellow River, Zuo delineates the distinct characteristics of Yuan architecture across three regions. She skillfully connects these regional traditions to periods before and after the Yuan, thereby contextualizing architecture within the social and political history of that era.

Zuo's examination reveals how the division of regional traditions, particularly in the south, played a significant role in the transformation of dynastic styles from the Song (960–1279) to the Ming (1368–1644). She also explores the potential impact of the Song-Yuan migration on architectural design, shedding light on the interplay between cultural exchange and architectural evolution.

In an appendix, Zuo offers an extensive glossary of Chinese architectural terms, presenting them in the terminology of the Song era. This glossary aims to facilitate a deeper understanding of the architectural language and terminology employed during that period.

Through her meticulous research and insightful analysis, Lala Zuo has contributed significantly to our understanding of Chinese architectural history. Diversity in the Great Unity offers a valuable perspective on the regional diversity and evolution of Chinese architecture, challenging preconceived notions and illuminating the rich tapestry of architectural traditions that have shaped China's cultural heritage.

\n Weight: 736g\n
Dimension: 261 x 186 x 22 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780824877316\n \n