The Eight Great Crafts—Construction Techniques of Ancient Architecture Appreciation Workshop

The Forbidden City is the world’s most well-preserved timber-frame palace complex. It was home to twenty-four emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The meticulous craftsmanship demonstrated through its structures and ornaments, made with a range of materials, adhered to a strict and established production standard known as the “Construction Techniques of the Forbidden City”. Produced by The Palace Museum, the micro-documentary The Eight Great Crafts will be screened, coupled with learning activities, to deepen students’ understanding of four of the remarkable crafts highlighted in the film, including such elements as wooden construction, clay roof tiles, paintwork and decorations, and the lively glazed imperial roof-figures. Ultimately, this workshop aims to foster an appreciation for the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional Chinese architecture and crafts from various perspectives.

Following the event, participants will be given access to the Museum’s thematic exhibitions (Gallery 1–7) and special exhibition (Gallery 8).