Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Woodcarving
Woodcarving is usually found on cross beams, brackets, hanging pillars (often carved in
the shape of flower pots), doors, window lattice and screen walls. Its basic function is
decorative, though many parts are integral to the temple structure. Many temple god
statues are also carved from wood and are exquisite pieces of art.
Examples are Bao'an Temple in Taipei, Yinshan Temple in Tamsui, Matsu Temple in
Makung, and Longshan Temple in Lukang.
In every temple look for animals in the paintings, carvings and ceramic figures. The
dragon, phoenix, tortoise and qilin are known as the 'four Spiritual beasts'. The tiger, leo-
pard, lion and elephant are also important symbols in both Buddhism and Taoism.
Painting
Painting is mainly applied to wood beams and walls. Though decorative, painting also
helps to preserve wood, and is said to drive away evil, bless and inspire good deeds.
Common motifs include stories from literature and history.
Probably the most distinctive paintings at any temple are the guardians on the doors to
the Front Hall. Examples are Xiahai City God and Bao'an Temples in Taipei, and Matsu
and Dongyue Temples in Tainan.
Stone Carving
Before the 20th century most stone came from China, and was often used as ballast in the
rough ship ride over. Later locally sourced Guanyin stone became the preferred choice,
though today cheaper Chinese imports are often used.
Stone is most commonly used for courtyard surfaces, stairs and doorposts, dragon
columns and other pillars, lion statues, and relief wall panels showing scenes from his-
tory and literature.
Examples are Lukang's Longshan Temple, Tzushr Temple in Sansia, and Chaotian
Temple.
Temples Today
Temples are fragile structures and prone to weathering, and subject to outright destruc-
tion by fire, flooding, earthquakes, typhoons, landslides, wars, occupations and indiffer-
ence. Nearly every temple in Taiwan has been restored at least once since 1945, in many
cases radically re-altering the original style.
