Mediating the sacred, order, and power: Tai 臺 [terrace] as religio-political interface in pre-imperial China
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The pre-imperial Chinese Tai 臺 [terrace], through its vertical and horizontal forms, symbolizes cosmic order and serves as a physical link between heaven and humanity. Traditionally, the pre-imperial Tai has been understood primarily through a functionalist lens, lacking a theoretical exploration of its symbolic meaning and mobility. This study examines Tai through three dimensions: The sacred, which grounds its sacred narratives; the order, which explains its transition from mythic consciousness to spatial practice; and the power, which illuminates its religio-political interface through historical events. These dimensions overlap and interact, offering a fresh perspective on the terrace. By situating Tai within mythological, religious, and political contexts, we have explored the interplay between religious beliefs and spatial practices in early China. This paper contributes to the spatial turn in the humanities, enhancing the understanding of traditional Chinese architectural culture.
Authors: Rong Lu, Chunfang Pei, Xili Zheng, Liming Zhou
Institutions: Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an Eurasia University
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,165
OpenAlex ID: W4415983553