A Jin Dynasty Artistic Gem ~ The Nine-Star Heavenly Palace Ceiling of Yingxian Jingtu Temple

During your one-day trip to Yingxian, Datong, after marveling at the Wooden Pagoda, don't miss Jingtu Temple (commonly known as North Temple), located just 300 meters away. Also a national key cultural relic protection site, it boasts a history of nearly a thousand years. This thousand-year-old national treasure, the Nine-Star Ceiling, has a modest entrance fee of only CNY 15. Jingtu Temple is a wooden structure, stable in form, simple, and magnificent. Originally built in 1124 (the second year of the Tianhui period of the Jin Dynasty) by the monk Shanxiang under imperial decree, the only remaining original structure is the main hall, the Daxiongbao Hall, built in 1184 (the twenty-fourth year of the Dading period). It has three bays wide and three bays deep, with a single-eave hip-and-gable roof decorated with glazed tiles. The eaves are supported by brackets, sparsely arranged, with the four corners rising in gentle curves. The outline of the hall is stable and dignified, simple yet grand, representing a prime example of Jin Dynasty architecture in Shanxi. 🔥Highlights ✔️A pair of "disheveled" stone lions in the courtyard, one of the "Three Treasures of Yingxian" praised by Mr. Liang Sicheng. Their unique shape and exquisite carving are rare in China. The stone lions, 0.96 meters tall, are relics of the Liao Dynasty and originally stood in front of the Jingtu Temple gate. ✔️The brackets under the eaves of the main hall are simple and sparse. Both the central and side bays use two interspersed bracket sets. The column head brackets and interspersed brackets are identical, both single-angled four-cluster brackets. The angles are shaped like the surface of a guqin, with pendant ornaments underneath, typical of the Song and Jin Dynasties. The structure is incredibly delicate. ✔️The Eight-Gate Nine-Star Heavenly Palace Ceiling inside the hall is entirely carved from wood, a rare Jin Dynasty treasure and a national marvel. The nine caissons vary in shape, including octagonal, hexagonal, and diamond. The most intricate and exquisite is the Heavenly Palace caisson in the center of the main bay. The first layer depicts a heavenly palace and pavilions connected by corridors, with Buddhist images painted on the corridor walls. The eaves of the palace and pavilions extend outward, with distinctly upturned corners. Forceful figures are carved under the corner beams, adding a vivid touch. The eaves employ single-layered, double-lower-angled six-cluster brackets, with three outward projections of varying forms, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship. The caisson walls and columns are engraved with intricate patterns. Pendant columns are set below the tie beams, each lotus petal meticulously carved with rich layers. Above the Heavenly Palace is the second layer of the caisson, an octagonal shape formed by chamfering the corners of a square. Bracket sets project outward layer by layer, reaching the octagonal back panel. Two lifelike golden dragons are attached to the back panel, dynamic and powerful. The composition of the Heavenly Palace caisson is harmonious, with magnificent coloring. The four heavenly palaces are gilded, as are the small brackets surrounding them, creating a dazzling effect. The rafters, beams, columns, and brackets of this small wooden structure are all scaled-down versions of large wooden buildings of the time. Even details like the鴟吻(chiwen, a mythical beast often used as a roof ornament) and the corner beam beasts are meticulously carved, showcasing astonishing craftsmanship. The other eight caissons are similar in structure to the central one. Although they lack the heavenly palace and pavilions, they are surrounded by auspicious dragons and flying phoenixes, with brilliant colors and exquisite construction, reflecting the grandeur of a royal temple. ✔️The interior walls of the hall are also decorated with Qing Dynasty murals depicting Buddhist stories. ✔️The old monk in the hall loves to chat.