Hierarchy classification:

1. top of the aat hierarchies
2. Objects Facet
3. Components (hierarchy name)
4. components (objects parts)
5. [components by specific context]
6. architectural elements
7. [structural elements and components for structural elements]
8. structural elements
9. [spanning and projecting structural elements]
10. lintels (spanning elements)

Anotations

Scope note:

Pupaifang is a long, horizontal architectural element placed on top of the pillar top tie beam (lan’e 闌額) atop which the dougong 斗栱 are located. The term pupaifang is found in the chapters on pingzuo 平坐 (lit. “leveling seat”) and xiaomuzuo 小木作 (lit. “small woodwork”) in the Yingzao fashi (1103). In extant buildings, however, pupaifang were not limited to use in pingzuo and xiaomuzuo. Based on information in other textual records, it is presumed that the use of the term pupaifang in the Yingzao fashi may have come from a transcription of the craftsmen's spoken language (Fang 1894, 2.14b; Guo 2003, 12). In the Qing dynasty, the term pingbanfang 平板枋 was used instead of pupaifang. Currently, architectural historians use this term when describing buildings from the Liao and Song through Ming dynasties (907-1644).