Yigu Hall Introduction
Yigutang is located in the Qionglin settlement and was built around the 20th year of the Daoguang era (1840 AD), making it nearly two hundred years old. Initially serving as a community school for villagers, it later became a site for primary education and an office for military officers. Eventually, it transformed into a daycare center for farmers during busy seasons. Unlike typical ancestral halls, temples, or traditional residences, Yigutang features a courtyard layout separated by a central wall and an entrance that prominently highlights an inward-curving design. The building adopts a hip-and-gable roof style, decorated with mud sculptures of mythical creatures on the ridge, and the horse's back is shaped like flowing water, exhibiting a remarkable aesthetic quality. The craftsmanship is intricate, and while the surrounding walls give it a closed impression, stepping inside reveals dynamic spatial variations that breathe liveliness into the structure. It stands out as a uniquely crafted piece among ancient houses, boasting various distinctive window designs that merit close observation. Pomegranate Window: Symbolizes abundance of children and grandchildren, conveying joy. Circular Window: Represents completeness and harmony, filling the environment with joy and hope. Scroll Window: Encourages youths to read poetry and literature at a young age, embodying the significance of nurturing wisdom through education, reminding one of the ancient teaching of ten years of hard study leading to fame. Fan-shaped Window: The word for fan (扇) sounds like the word for virtue (善), embodying auspicious phrases about doing good deeds daily and having benevolence in and out. Bamboo Joint Window: This window design has a playful garden charm that appeals to both refined and popular tastes; bamboo traditionally symbolizes a gentleman, while swaying bamboo represents purity and integrity, embodying a wish for continuous advancement. Vase Window: Represents peace and safety.
