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Guardians of power: The ceremonial role of que in ancient China

CGTN

Originally serving as watchtowers, "que" gradually became decorative structures symbolizing status and ceremonial etiquette. They could be standalone, built as a "mother-child" duo or as a trio.

In this trio, there is a central "mother que" flanked by two smaller "child que." This design was reserved exclusively for imperial palaces and mausoleums, symbolizing the emperor's supremacy and the empire's sanctity.

Guardians of power: The ceremonial role of que in ancient China
Guardians of power: The ceremonial role of que in ancient China
Guardians of power: The ceremonial role of que in ancient China
Guardians of power: The ceremonial role of que in ancient China
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