Have you ever heard of que? 🏯 In ancient China, que were magnificent towers that started as simple watchtowers but evolved into grand symbols of power and ceremony!
Originally, these towers stood tall to keep watch over the land. But over time, they became more than just sentinels. They turned into decorative structures that showed off the importance and status of emperors and their palaces.
Que could be built as standalone towers, but sometimes they were constructed in special groups. One unique design was the “mother-child” duo, where a larger mother que was paired with a smaller child que. Even more impressive was the trio arrangement! This had a central mother que flanked by two smaller child que towers. 🌟
But here’s the coolest part: this trio design was reserved just for imperial palaces and mausoleums—the grand resting places of emperors. It was a way to symbolize the emperor’s supreme power and the sacredness of the empire. Only the most important places got to have these magnificent towers!
So next time you see a picture of ancient Chinese architecture, look out for these que towers. They weren’t just buildings; they were guardians of power and tradition, standing tall throughout China’s rich history. 🏰✨
Reference(s):
Guardians of power: The ceremonial role of que in ancient China
cgtn.com
