Question 1

What is the meaning of the Chiwen roof beast?

Accepted Answer

Chiwen carries a wish for protection from fire, peace, and the well-being of the people beneath a roof. Its association with water and rain gives its fierce appearance a caring purpose.

Question 2

Where is Chiwen placed on a traditional roof?

Accepted Answer

The paired ornaments stand at the ends of the main horizontal ridge, usually facing inward. They are much larger than the small processional beasts arranged along the sloping ridges near the eaves.

Question 3

Are Chiwei, Chiwen, and Zhengwen the same?

Accepted Answer

The names overlap within the ridge-end ornament tradition. Chiwei emphasizes a tail-like form, Chiwen the beast’s mouth, and Zhengwen its position on the main ridge. Their use varies across periods and places.

Question 4

Which of the dragon’s nine sons is Chiwen?

Accepted Answer

Chiwen appears among the nine sons in several popular traditions. The names and orders differ between lists, so it has no single universal position as the third, ninth, or another numbered son.

Question 5

Why does Chiwen have a sword on its back?

Accepted Answer

Folk stories explain the sword as keeping the guardian at its post and warding off harmful forces. One version associates it with the Daoist immortal Xu Xun. Sword-like details vary between individual ornaments.

Question 6

How big are the Chiwen on the Hall of Supreme Harmony?

Accepted Answer

Each is 3.4 meters high, weighs about 4.3 metric tonnes, and is assembled from 13 yellow-glazed ceramic components. The Palace Museum identifies those pieces as the second-pattern specification.

Question 7

Are glazed Chiwen made of glass?

Accepted Answer

Architectural Liuli Chiwen are usually glazed ceramic, with a clay body beneath the colored surface. Art-glass objects and modern souvenirs may use different materials, so the individual object’s description matters.

Question 8

What does a Chiwen ornament mean as a gift?

Accepted Answer

It is a warm blessing for a peaceful home, a cared-for workspace, and a hopeful new beginning. A housewarming message such as Ping An Ru Yi (平安如意) expresses safety, peace, and wishes fulfilled.

Chinese Roof Beasts

Chiwen Roof Beast: Meaning, Stories, and a Guardian for the Home

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