China News Service, Taizhou, February 20th (Fu Feiyang) "The way of a university is to be clear and virtuous, to be close to the people, and to end in perfection." The first sentence of the opening chapter of "Book of Rites·University" is from Linhai City, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province. The aphorism in the mind of Zhang Haiwei, the founder of Lou Courtyard Art Museum (hereinafter referred to as: Yu Zhilou), not only became the name of this folk museum, but also reflected his expectations for the protection and research of Jiangnan Courtyard Art - in the most perfect position. Realm (ending to perfection).

A view of Zhilou. Photo by Fu Feiyang

　　The rippling lotus pond, the long corridor with carved beams and painted pillars, and the unique courtyard courtyard all tell ancient stories... Walking into Yuzhi Tower, the Jiangnan courtyard utensils from the Ming and Qing Dynasties are orderly distributed, and a dream about cultural inheritance quietly "Bloom".

The stone carving art collection in Zhilou. Photo by Fu Feiyang

　　"In the beginning, collecting furniture was just my personal hobby. In 2011, I traveled to Jinhua, Lishui and other places and started collecting ancient buildings. In the process, we discovered that there is still a lot to be done in the academic research and collection protection of Chinese courtyards. There is a lot of space for exploration, so I tried my best to collect them one by one." Zhang Haiwei said in a recent interview.

　　Today, Yuzhi Building, covering an area of ​​more than 5,000 square meters, has more than 2,000 related collections, all of which are courtyard art components since the Tang Dynasty, including stone carvings, wood carvings, residential buildings, etc. Among them, stone carving art reflects the style of courtyard art in Jiangnan, China. .

Courtyard flower bed components from the late Ming Dynasty. Photo by Fu Feiyang

　　Zhang Haiwei said that at present, the collection in Yuzhilou has cost more than 70 million yuan and is open to citizens and tourists for free. It can attract more than 2,000 visitors every year. "Next, we will do more in publicity, such as launching the 'Jiangnan' A brand like Courtyard' attracts more young people to visit and check-in, and better spreads the courtyard culture."

　　Unlike ordinary museums, there are no fences, protective covers, or "no touching" signs on the valuable collections in the Yuzhi Building. When the hands are rubbing the artifacts from hundreds of years ago, people seem to be able to travel through time and space and feel the daily life of the ancients in their own courtyards.

Stone sculpture "Playing with colors and entertaining relatives". Photo by Fu Feiyang

　　"The courtyard is the carrier of life and a symbol of the city." Zhang Haiwei believes that stone sculptures are not fragile, so that they are in contact with the flowing air and can play a more protective role. "To appreciate these ancient works of art, you need to be able to see and touch them closely, so that you can feel the weight of history more clearly."

Children take pictures in the building. Photo by Fu Feiyang

　　Zhang Haiwei, 41 years old, has regarded inheriting and promoting Jiangnan courtyard culture as a long-term pursuit. He said that in the first half of 2024, they will contact relevant experts and scholars to sort out the information on Jiangnan courtyards and compile them into a book. They also expect more and more people to join in and jointly create a "utopia" of courtyard culture. (over)