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A 'que' in traditional Chinese architecture refers to a type of decorative roof tile.
Answer: False
Explanation: The term 'que' in traditional Chinese architecture denotes a freestanding, ceremonial gate tower, not a decorative roof tile. These structures served significant architectural and symbolic functions.
The earliest development of 'que' structures dates back to the Zhou dynasty.
Answer: True
Explanation: The earliest known development of 'que' structures can be traced back to the Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BC), marking their initial emergence in Chinese architectural history.
Scholars believe that the stone 'que' structures seen today are original wooden constructions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Scholarly consensus suggests that the stone 'que' structures observed today are largely stone reproductions or imitations of earlier freestanding wooden and/or earthen towers. The original wooden structures have not survived.
The original freestanding towers, precursors to stone 'que', served as boundary markers for palace and temple premises.
Answer: True
Explanation: The original freestanding towers, which predated the stone 'que', are understood to have functioned as markers delineating the symbolic boundaries of palace and temple premises, evolving from earlier integrated gate tower designs.
What is the primary definition of a 'que' in traditional Chinese architecture?
Answer: A freestanding, ceremonial gate tower.
Explanation: Within the context of traditional Chinese architecture, a 'que' is characterized as a freestanding, ceremonial gate tower. These structures functioned as monumental gateways for tombs, palaces, and temples across various pre-modern dynasties.
What was the original function of the early wooden or earthen towers that preceded the stone 'que'?
Answer: To mark the symbolic boundary of palace or temple premises.
Explanation: The earliest freestanding towers, which served as precursors to the stone 'que', originally functioned as markers delineating the symbolic boundaries of palace or temple premises, evolving from earlier integrated gate tower designs.
What material were the earliest freestanding towers, which inspired the stone 'que', believed to be made of?
Answer: Wood and/or earth.
Explanation: The earliest freestanding towers, which served as the inspiration for the later stone 'que', are believed to have been constructed primarily from wood and/or earth. These earlier forms likely preceded the more durable stone reproductions.
What evidence exists for the original wooden or earthen 'que' structures, given that none survive?
Answer: Depictions on extant brick reliefs within Han dynasty tombs.
Explanation: Although no original wooden or earthen 'que' structures have survived, evidence for their existence and appearance comes from depictions found on extant brick reliefs within Han dynasty tombs, such as those discovered in Yinan tombs in Shandong province.
The Han dynasty marked the period when the use of 'que' gateways was most prevalent.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historical analysis indicates that the Han dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD) represents the zenith of 'que' gateway usage. During this era, these structures were extensively employed, particularly in the context of imperial tombs and monumental architecture.
During the Han dynasty, 'que' towers were typically the least expensive element of a tomb's spirit way.
Answer: False
Explanation: On the contrary, during the Han dynasty, 'que' towers were generally the most costly components of a tomb's spirit way, significantly exceeding the expense of other elements like stone lions or memorial steles.
The 'que' towers along the spirit roads (*shendao*) were typically placed singly.
Answer: False
Explanation: Along spirit roads during the Han dynasty, 'que' towers were typically positioned in pairs, with one structure flanking each side of the pathway, rather than being placed singly.
Stone-carved 'que' structures often imitated the appearance of wooden buildings, including roof details.
Answer: True
Explanation: Stone-carved 'que' frequently replicated the aesthetic qualities of contemporary wooden architecture, incorporating details such as roof tile eaves and other structural elements, despite their solid stone construction.
During which dynasty did the use of 'que' gateways reach its zenith?
Answer: Han Dynasty
Explanation: The Han dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD) represents the peak period for the prevalence and development of 'que' gateways, particularly in monumental tomb architecture.
Which of the following best describes the typical placement of 'que' towers along the spirit roads of Han dynasty tombs?
Answer: In pairs, one on each side of the road.
Explanation: Along spirit roads during the Han dynasty, 'que' towers were typically positioned in pairs, with one structure flanking each side of the pathway, rather than being placed singly.
Why are the surviving stone 'que' from the Han dynasty considered particularly valuable historical relics?
Answer: They are richly decorated and represent the period's sculpture and architecture.
Explanation: Surviving stone 'que' from the Han dynasty are highly valued as historical relics due to their rich decoration and their representation of the period's sophisticated sculptural and architectural artistry, offering critical insights into Han monumental construction.
What historical period does the stone-carved 'que' at the Tomb of Gao Yi belong to?
Answer: Eastern Han Dynasty
Explanation: The stone-carved 'que' found at the Tomb of Gao Yi in Sichuan province dates to the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD), a period known for significant developments in tomb architecture and monumental stone sculpture.
What was the cost comparison of a 'que' tower to a stone lion during the Han dynasty?
Answer: Four times the cost of a stone lion.
Explanation: During the Han dynasty, 'que' towers represented a significant investment. A single 'que' tower was approximately four times as costly as a stone lion, underscoring their importance and the resources dedicated to their construction.
What was the cost comparison of a 'que' tower to a memorial stele during the Han dynasty?
Answer: A 'que' cost ten times as much as a stele.
Explanation: During the Han dynasty, a 'que' tower was a considerably more expensive undertaking than a memorial stele, costing approximately ten times as much. This financial disparity highlights the monumental nature and perceived importance of 'que' structures.
The use of 'que' on spirit ways significantly increased after the fall of the Eastern Han dynasty.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following the decline of the Eastern Han dynasty, the prominence of 'que' structures on spirit ways diminished. While 'que' continued to be utilized in other architectural contexts, *huabiao* pillars increasingly replaced them in the role of tomb spirit way markers.
The use of 'que' completely disappeared after the Han dynasty, with no further examples found in later periods.
Answer: False
Explanation: The use of 'que' did not cease entirely after the Han dynasty, although its prevalence in tomb architecture declined. 'Que' continued to be employed in various contexts, such as in front of temples, bridges, and palace gateways, down to the end of the imperial era.
Tang dynasty imperial tombs, like the Qianling Mausoleum, did not feature 'que' structures.
Answer: False
Explanation: Tang dynasty imperial tombs, such as the Qianling Mausoleum, did indeed feature 'que' structures. Remnants of these structures can still be observed along the spirit ways of these significant burial sites.
After the Han dynasty, 'que' continued to be used in front of temples and bridges.
Answer: True
Explanation: 'Que' structures maintained their architectural relevance beyond the Han dynasty, continuing to be employed in front of temples and bridges, as well as serving as gateways for imperial palaces.
In later periods, 'que' towers were sometimes integrated into conventional gateways, forming a U-shaped structure.
Answer: True
Explanation: In subsequent historical periods, 'que' towers were sometimes architecturally integrated with conventional gateways. This integration often resulted in a U-shaped configuration, where the 'que' towers were connected to the central gate structure via outward-extending arms.
After the Eastern Han period, *huabiao* pillars generally replaced 'que' on spirit ways.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the Eastern Han era, the role of monumental markers on spirit ways gradually shifted, with *huabiao* pillars increasingly supplanting 'que' structures in this specific context.
The Dingfang 'que' pillar gates were associated with a palace entrance from the Tang dynasty.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Dingfang 'que' pillar gates are associated with a temple from the Eastern Han dynasty, dedicated to Ba Manzi, rather than a Tang dynasty palace entrance. This highlights the varied contexts in which 'que' structures appeared.
Which dynasty saw the decline in the use of 'que' on spirit ways, with *huabiao* pillars becoming more common?
Answer: Eastern Han Dynasty
Explanation: Following the Eastern Han dynasty, the prominence of 'que' structures on spirit ways diminished. While 'que' continued to be utilized in other architectural contexts, *huabiao* pillars increasingly replaced them in the role of tomb spirit way markers.
Which of the following is NOT a location where 'que' continued to be used after the Han dynasty, according to the text?
Answer: Public marketplaces
Explanation: While 'que' structures continued to be used after the Han dynasty in contexts such as temples, bridges, and palace gateways, their application in public marketplaces is not indicated in the provided text.
How did 'que' structures sometimes evolve when integrated with conventional gateways in later periods?
Answer: They formed a single U-shaped structure with outward-extending 'arms'.
Explanation: In later periods, 'que' towers were sometimes integrated with conventional gateways, resulting in a U-shaped architectural form where the 'que' towers were connected to the central gate via outward-extending arms.
What architectural element largely replaced 'que' on spirit ways after the Eastern Han period?
Answer: *Huabiao* pillars
Explanation: Following the Eastern Han era, the role of monumental markers on spirit ways gradually shifted, with *huabiao* pillars increasingly supplanting 'que' structures in this specific context.
The Qianling Mausoleum, a Tang dynasty tomb, is notable for featuring how many sets of 'que' towers along its spirit way?
Answer: Three
Explanation: The Qianling Mausoleum, an imperial tomb from the Tang dynasty, is notable for its spirit way which features three distinct sets of 'que' towers, indicating the continued, albeit evolving, use of such structures in later imperial burial complexes.
The Meridian Gates in Nanjing and Beijing, examples of combined 'que' gates, were constructed during which dynasty?
Answer: Ming Dynasty
Explanation: The Meridian Gates in Nanjing and Beijing, which represent a later architectural form integrating 'que' elements into combined gateways, were constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).
The symbolic meaning of tomb 'que' is thought to relate to the soul's transition to the afterlife and a connection to heaven.
Answer: True
Explanation: The symbolic interpretation of tomb 'que' structures encompasses both the transition of the soul into the spirit world and the representation of a connection with heaven, suggested by their tall, vertical orientation.
The 'shendao' refers to the ceremonial function of the 'que' towers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The term 'shendao' does not refer to the ceremonial function of 'que' towers; rather, it denotes the spirit way, an architectural ensemble commonly found in Han dynasty tombs, which often incorporated 'que' structures.
What does the term 'shendao' refer to in the context of Han dynasty tombs?
Answer: The spirit way, an architectural ensemble often including 'que'.
Explanation: In the context of Han dynasty tombs, 'shendao' refers to the spirit way, a ceremonial pathway that often formed part of a larger architectural ensemble, frequently incorporating 'que' towers as significant elements.
What symbolic meaning is associated with the tall, vertical structure of tomb 'que'?
Answer: A connection with heaven.
Explanation: The tall, vertical structure of tomb 'que' was symbolically interpreted as representing a connection with heaven, in addition to symbolizing the soul's passage into the spirit world.
Surviving stone 'que' from the Han dynasty are primarily valued for their simple, unadorned design.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the assertion of simplicity, surviving stone 'que' from the Han dynasty are highly valued precisely because of their intricate and rich decoration. These structures serve as significant examples of the period's sophisticated sculptural and architectural artistry.
Numerous original wooden and earthen 'que' structures still exist today in front of ancient buildings.
Answer: False
Explanation: None of the original freestanding wooden or earthen 'que' structures are known to have survived to the present day. Evidence of their existence is primarily derived from depictions found in Han dynasty tomb art.
Approximately 30 'que' structures are estimated to have survived to the present day.
Answer: True
Explanation: It is estimated that approximately 30 'que' structures have endured through history and remain extant today, providing valuable insights into ancient Chinese architecture.
The majority of surviving 'que' structures are found in northern China, near the former imperial capitals.
Answer: False
Explanation: The majority of surviving 'que' structures are located in Sichuan province, in southwestern China, rather than in northern China near former imperial capitals. Sites closer to capitals often experienced more historical disruption.
Ann Paludan proposed that the survival of 'que' in Sichuan is due to its remoteness and local stone-working traditions.
Answer: True
Explanation: Scholar Ann Paludan posits that the preservation of 'que' in regions such as Sichuan is attributable to a confluence of factors: the local availability of suitable stone, a robust tradition of stone-working craftsmanship, and the relative remoteness of these areas, which shielded them from extensive historical disruption compared to sites near imperial centers.
The Meridian Gate in Beijing is the only surviving example of an imperial 'que' gate in China.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Meridian Gate in Beijing stands as the sole surviving example of an imperial 'que' gate in China. This structure exemplifies the integration of 'que' wings with a central conventional gate, representing a later development in 'que' architecture.
The tomb of Fan Min in Sichuan is known for containing the oldest known tortoise-borne stele.
Answer: True
Explanation: The tomb complex of Fan Min in Lushan County, Sichuan province, is notable not only for its 'que' structures but also for housing the oldest known tortoise-borne stele, adding to its historical significance.
Structures near imperial capitals suffered less destruction than those in remote areas like Sichuan.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'Que' structures situated near imperial capitals generally experienced more significant destruction over time due to greater historical activity and development, compared to those in more remote regions like Sichuan.
The Gao Yi 'que' is a stone tower approximately 6 meters tall, imitating wooden architectural features.
Answer: True
Explanation: The stone-carved 'que' at the Tomb of Gao Yi, measuring approximately 6 meters (20 feet) in height, is indeed noted for its detailed imitation of wooden architectural features, including roof tile eaves.
The Meridian Gate in Beijing's 'que' sections are marked by pavilions topped with pyramidal roofs.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'que' sections of the Meridian Gate in Beijing are indeed characterized by pavilions, each surmounted by a distinctive pyramidal roof, contributing to the overall architectural composition of this surviving imperial gateway.
Where are the majority of the approximately 30 surviving 'que' structures located today?
Answer: Sichuan province
Explanation: The majority of the approximately 30 extant 'que' structures are situated in Sichuan province. A smaller number can be found in Henan and Shandong provinces, but Sichuan remains the primary region for these historical relics.
According to Ann Paludan, what are the key reasons for the preservation of 'que' in regions like Sichuan?
Answer: Availability of stone, skilled craft traditions, and remoteness.
Explanation: Scholar Ann Paludan posits that the preservation of 'que' in regions such as Sichuan is attributable to a confluence of factors: the local availability of suitable stone, a robust tradition of stone-working craftsmanship, and the relative remoteness of these areas, which shielded them from extensive historical disruption compared to sites near imperial centers.
What is the significance of the Meridian Gate in Beijing regarding 'que' architecture?
Answer: It is the only surviving example of an imperial 'que' gate.
Explanation: The Meridian Gate in Beijing holds significance as the sole surviving example of an imperial 'que' gate in China, showcasing a later architectural development where 'que' elements were integrated into larger gateway structures.
Which of the following is mentioned as a specific surviving 'que' structure?
Answer: The Tomb of Gao Yi
Explanation: Among the options provided, the Tomb of Gao Yi is specifically mentioned in the source material as a site containing a surviving 'que' structure, notable for its stone construction and imitation of wooden architectural features.
The stone-carved 'que' at the Tomb of Gao Yi is noted for imitating which feature?
Answer: Roof tile eaves
Explanation: The stone-carved 'que' located at the Tomb of Gao Yi is specifically noted for its imitation of roof tile eaves, a detail that reflects the architectural styles of contemporary wooden structures, despite its solid stone construction.
Victor Segalen's expedition in the early 20th century led to the international recognition of Sichuan 'que'.
Answer: True
Explanation: Victor Segalen, through his expeditions in the early 20th century, particularly in 1914, is credited with introducing many of the Sichuan 'que' structures to the international academic community, thereby fostering broader scholarly interest.
The Meridian Gate in Huế, Vietnam, shows no architectural similarity to Chinese 'que' gate designs.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Meridian Gate in Huế, Vietnam, exhibits notable architectural similarities to the combined 'que' gate designs found in China, indicating a shared or influenced architectural tradition.
Who is credited with bringing the Sichuan 'que' to the attention of international scholarship?
Answer: Victor Segalen
Explanation: Victor Segalen, through his expeditions in the early 20th century, particularly in 1914, is credited with introducing many of the Sichuan 'que' structures to the international academic community, thereby fostering broader scholarly interest.
The Meridian Gate in Huế, Vietnam, is noted for its similarity to which type of Chinese structure?
Answer: Combined imperial 'que' gates.
Explanation: The Meridian Gate in Huế, Vietnam, exhibits architectural similarities to the combined imperial 'que' gates found in China, suggesting potential cultural exchange or influence in architectural design.