The Silong Sifeng table block is an artifact from the Warring States period (403-221 B.C.). The block originates in the Hebei province of China, typically used as a furniture table base measuring 47.5cm in length, 31.8cm in diameter and weights 18.65 kilograms. The table block resembles the earliest form of the ancient bracket-set (dǒugǒng) before it became a unique structural element. It is significant that this ornamental furniture marks the first appearance of the bracket-set, which later evolved into a structural network widely used in traditional Chinese architecture.
The base is decorated with animal sculptures, and the structure of the base is composed with four modules of dragons and phoenixes. Each module leads to a bracket-set component which supports the upper frame for the table top. All bracket- sets are composed of dǒu (blocks) and gǒng (arms) and in every case an arm joins a block.
The block is coated with ancient Chinese’s finest metal techniques; the pattern is incised on the surface of the bronze ware by chiseling, and then has gold and silver wire inlaid to produce a decorative effect.
This architectural joinery has developed into a complex set of interlocking parts. The pieces are fit together by joinery alone without fasteners, due to the precision and quality of the carpentry. As the years and centuries rolled by, brackets and bracket sets became more ornamental than structural and no longer serve its initial function. This artifact now exhibits in the Hebei Province Institute of Archaeology.
By Danica Lau M2
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