Chen Clan Ancestral Hall glazed roof ridges, Guangzhou

[PHOTO/CHINA BOUND]

The glazed roof ridges of the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall in Guangzhou stand as a masterpiece of architectural decoration in the Lingnan region (a region in southern China covering Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Hong Kong and Macao). Richly colored plaster and ceramic sculptures bring mythical beasts and opera figures to life in intricate, vivid detail. More than symbolic blessings of good fortune, these ornaments embody centuries of craftsmanship and the unique aesthetic spirit of traditional Lingnan architecture.