jǐnggàn

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  4. Processes and Techniques (hierarchy name)
  5. [processes and techniques by specific type]
  6. [additive and joining processes and techniques]
  7. assembling (additive and joining process)
  8. construction (assembling)
  9. [construction technique by form or materials]
  10. log construction
  11. jǐnggàn
Scope note
Meaning literally “well” “structure” (Kroll 2015, 218; 128) Jinggan originally refers to the wall of a wooden well or the railing of a well, but also indicates a construction technique, known as “jinggan method” (jinggan shi 井幹式). According to textual descriptions, archaeological discoveries, and surviving images, the jinggan method involved stacking layers of timbers to form the wall of a building, in which the ends of the timbers were fit together with mortise and tenon joinery. The jinggan construction method is still being used in some areas of northeast and southwest China that are rich in timber. The first appearance of the term jinggan 井幹 is in Zhuangzi’s 莊子 “Autumn Floods” (Qiushui 秋水) from the Warring States Period. In this text, a frog jumps into a “jinggan,” which likely refers to the wall of a wooden well (jingbi 井壁) or the railing of a well (jinglan 井欄). One of the most famous references to the jinggan method describes the architecture of the Jinggan Pavilion (Jinggan lou 井幹樓) in Jianzhang Palace (Jianzhang gong 建章宮) of the Han dynasty.
jǐnggàn
Accepted term: 29-Apr-2024