screen wall; spirit wall; sculptured wall
Meanings
3 senses · 9 examplesnoun
screen wall inside the main gate (shielding the interior from direct view)
Refers specifically to the architectural feature placed inside the gate to block direct sightlines into the courtyard. Can be made of brick or wood, sometimes movable on a base.
The screen wall of this siheyuan is very well preserved.
The screen wall inside the main gate can block outsiders from directly seeing the courtyard interior.
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That kind of wooden screen wall has a base underneath and can be moved.
noun
spirit wall; screen wall (facing the entrance)
Synonymous with 照壁. Often refers to the wall built opposite the main gate, either inside or outside the courtyard, serving as a spiritual and physical barrier.
The character 'Fu' is written on the spirit wall at the village entrance.
The spirit wall, also called yingbi, is an important element of traditional Chinese architecture.
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He stopped in front of the screen wall to admire the brick carvings on it.
noun
wall with sculpted figures; carved screen wall
Refers specifically to screen walls decorated with sculptures, reliefs, or painted figures, often depicting auspicious symbols, historical stories, or religious figures.
The story of the Eight Immortals crossing the sea is carved on the sculptured wall of this temple.
Ancient sculptured walls often featured auspicious patterns such as dragons and phoenixes.
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The brick carvings on the screen wall are vividly lifelike.