Images of Asia: Chinese Bridges

Ronald G. Knapp
ISBN: 978-0-19-585728-3
Oxford University Press
78 pag. hardcover 14 x 20 cm 1993

This book, like the author's The Chinese House, explores the full range of this important architectural form, emphasizing regional patterns, historical developments, and structural forms, but also the symbolism implicit in the decorative elements which make up Chinese bridges. Not only admired by Western travelers from earliest times to the present, Chinese bridges of all types figure as conspicuous landmarks in Chinese brush paintings and prominent parts of the landscape in gardens. Ancient bridges of many types survive throughout China's countryside and cities, giving clear evidence of the technical and artistic accomplishments of past bridge building.