Here stands the Nine Dragons Screen, a masterpiece of glazed artistry. It is not just a wall but a vibrant tableau frozen in time. This magnificent structure is one of only three Nine Dragons Screens in China. The other two reside in Beihai Park and the Forbidden City. Datong’s Nine Dragons Screen claims the title of oldest and largest. It predates the others by about 300 years and dwarfs them in size.
This Nine Dragons Screen was erected in 1392 during the Ming Dynasty. Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang built it for his 13th son, Zhu Gui. Imagine Zhu Gui’s mansion sprawling across more than 175,950 square meters. Although the mansion has vanished in the chaos of war, the Nine Dragons Screen endures.
These screens weren’t mere decoration. They served as screen walls outside temples, palaces, and important residences. Think of them as ornate curtains. They offer privacy without completely blocking the outside world.
In imperial China, the number of dragons held significance. A Nine Dragons Screen symbolized the highest status. Only emperors, empresses, and their most esteemed offspring could possess them. Legend says Zhu Gui, known for his arrogance, envied his brother Zhu Di’s Nine Dragon Wall in Beijing. Driven by jealousy, he demanded an even grander one for his Datong residence.
Observe the Nine Dragons Screen’s dimensions: 45.5 meters long, 8 meters high, and 2.02 meters thick. The Nine Dragons Screen divides into three distinct parts: the base, the body, and the top. The base rests upon a sumeru throne. This Buddhist symbol represents the universe’s center. Carvings of animals and mythical creatures adorn it. Look closely. Can you spot the Qilins, lions, tigers, deer, and rabbits? Above them, small dragons play with pearls.
Now, focus on the nine dragons themselves. Each possesses unique symbols and patterns. Clouds, pearls, ocean waves, and fire swirl around them. The colors and details are incredibly lifelike. The dragons seem to move with distinct personalities.
Do you notice something peculiar about the dragons’ claws? Unlike those in Beijing’s Forbidden City, these dragons have only four claws, not five. The five-clawed dragon symbolized the ultimate imperial power. The four-clawed dragons on the Nine Dragons Screen reflects Zhu Gui’s status as a prince, not the emperor himself.
The top of the Nine Dragons Screen features glazed tiles that evoke the sky, clouds, sun, and moon. Early risers get a special treat. As the sun ascends, its rays pierce the morning mist. The Nine Dragons Screen bathed in light, seems to awaken. The dragons appear to writhe, heads raised, tails swaying. It’s as if they’re about to burst forth from the wall. The Nine Dragons Screen will soar into the heavens.
A pond once graced the front of the Nine Dragons Screen. Its reflection danced on the water’s surface. A gentle breeze created a mesmerizing effect. The dragons seemed to ripple and undulate. The Nine Dragons Screen stands as a powerful symbol of Chinese dragon culture. It embodies imperial history, and artistic brilliance.