Zǎo jǐng (English spelling)

Japanese: 藻井 - そうせい（英語表記）zǎo jǐng

A decorative ceiling used in ancient Chinese architecture, more complex and decorative than the Japanese coffered ceiling or folded-up small coffered ceiling. Generally square, octagonal or circular, with various carvings, colors or brackets in various patterns. Some have palaces around the perimeter, or a hanging dragon or tower with a jewel in the center. In addition to the interiors of the caves at Yun-gang and Dunhuang, wooden structures such as the Do-lu-si Kannon Pavilion (Ji County, Tianjin) and the Forbidden Palace Taihe Hall and the Temple of Heaven Huangqiongyu are ancient examples.

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

中国古建築に用いられる装飾的な天井で，日本の格天井（ごうてんじよう）や折上小組（おりあげこぐみ）格天井の類よりいっそう複雑で装飾的なもの。一般に正方形，八角形または円形で，間に各種の文様の彫刻･彩色や斗栱（ときよう）を施す。なかには周囲に天宮楼閣を配したり，中央に宝珠を加えた竜や楼閣をつるすものもある。雲岡や敦煌の石窟内部のほか，木造では独楽寺観音閣(天津市薊県)などが古く，故宮太和殿や天壇皇穹宇は豪華な実例。

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

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