Glossary · C
Chiwen
Also called chiwei, zhengwen, ridge ornament
The large ornament at each end of the main ridge of a Chinese hall: in the Tang an owl’s tail (chiwei), later a dragon-headed fish whose jaws swallow the ridge; believed to protect the building from fire.
See also: Ridge
Where it appears in the book
In the chapters China, Japan and Korea.
A feature of Chinese architecture.
Nearby in the glossary
Chhatri · Chicago window · Chigi · Chini khana · Choir · Chuandou · Clapboard · Claude glass