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Consultancy for Conservation Study of Chik Kwai Study Hall at Pat ...

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Eave board <strong>at</strong> the front eave<br />

Under the front eave is a richly carved eave board th<strong>at</strong> used to span the two side bays and middle<br />

bay. It should be comprised <strong>of</strong> three timber boards loc<strong>at</strong>ed in the three bays joining together to<br />

<strong>for</strong>m a continuous piece. However, the section in the middle bay is now missing.<br />

At the leftmost part <strong>of</strong> the eave board in the right side bay is a flying b<strong>at</strong> th<strong>at</strong> is the symbol <strong>of</strong><br />

fu 福 [good <strong>for</strong>tune and blessing] (Fig. 104 and Fig. 105a-d). Besides it is undul<strong>at</strong>ing fruity vines<br />

<strong>of</strong> grape and a squirrel, suggesting the wish zisun wandai 子孫萬代 [may you have ten thousand<br />

gener<strong>at</strong>ions <strong>of</strong> progenies]. Close to the squirrel is a leafy branch bearing four pomegran<strong>at</strong>es th<strong>at</strong><br />

symbolize liukai baizi 榴開百子 [pomegran<strong>at</strong>e opens with hundred seeds]. Moreover, a paradise<br />

flyc<strong>at</strong>cher, emblem <strong>of</strong> longevity, is found standing on the branch. To the right <strong>of</strong> the paradise<br />

flyc<strong>at</strong>cher are broad lotus leaves and pods suggesting conjugal harmony and fertility, as well as a<br />

heron. A golden toad, symbol <strong>of</strong> wealth, is found prostr<strong>at</strong>e on the lotus leave while cloud scrolls,<br />

emblem <strong>of</strong> good omen, is carved ascending from its mouth. On the other side <strong>of</strong> the lotus is a<br />

flowering branch <strong>of</strong> peony th<strong>at</strong> signifies wealth and distinction. The middle <strong>of</strong> the board is carved<br />

with a ribboned flower basket decor<strong>at</strong>ed with p<strong>at</strong>tern <strong>of</strong> linked coins th<strong>at</strong> symbolize endless wealth.<br />

It holds a detached branch <strong>of</strong> peony flower, emblem <strong>of</strong> wealth and distinction. To the left <strong>of</strong> the<br />

basket is flowering branches <strong>of</strong> chrysanthemum amidst butterflies in flight, both are symbols <strong>of</strong><br />

longevity. Above them is a b<strong>at</strong> carved with cloud scrolls, signifying fuyun 福運 [blessed <strong>for</strong>tune].<br />

To the left <strong>of</strong> the basket is a robust bough bearing camellia flowers among leaves with a paradise<br />

flyc<strong>at</strong>cher perching on it, expressing chunguang zhangshou 春光長壽 [may you have long life in<br />

the radiance <strong>of</strong> spring]. Further to the right is a bogu 博古 th<strong>at</strong> suggests gentlemanly quality<br />

amidst a group <strong>of</strong> motifs. To the left <strong>of</strong> the bogu is a b<strong>at</strong>, symbol <strong>of</strong> fu 福 [good <strong>for</strong>tune and<br />

blessing] carved beside a tablet bearing a character shou 壽 [longevity]. Atop them is magpies<br />

representing xi xiangfeng 喜相逢 [happiness come cross]. Adjacent to these motifs is two<br />

magnolia flowers th<strong>at</strong> suggest Yushu linfeng 玉樹臨風 [a jade tree facing the wind]. Beside the<br />

flowers are paper and brushes symbolizing literary knowledge. Next to them is a vase signifying<br />

pingan 平安 [peace]. Other than these motifs, an incense burner emitting smoke is depicted on the<br />

bogu, which suggests emolument. Beside it is two lingzhi 靈芝, symbol <strong>of</strong> longevity, carved with<br />

a bottle-gourd and a brush th<strong>at</strong> suggest a sense <strong>of</strong> immortality. Bene<strong>at</strong>h them are a b<strong>at</strong>, symbol <strong>of</strong> fu<br />

福 [good <strong>for</strong>tune and blessing] and a bear suggesting heroism. To the right is a detached branch <strong>of</strong><br />

113

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