Caihua (), or "colour painting", is the traditional Chinese decorative painting or polychrome used for architecture and one of the most notable and important features of historical Chinese architecture. It held a significant artistic and practical role within the development of East-Asian architecture, as Caihua served not only decoration but also protection of the predominantly wooden architecture from various seasonal elements and hid the imperfections of the wood itself. The use of different colours or paintings would be according to the particular building functions and local regional customs, as well as historical periods. The choice of colours and symbology are based on traditional Chinese philosophies of the Five Elements and other ritualistic principles. The Caihua is often separated into three layer structures; timber or lacquer layer, plaster layer, and pigment layer. History The origins of Caihua can be traced back to the Zhou dynasty, as the Zuo Zhuan and Guliang Zhuan detailed: . The Rites of Zhou similarly records a ritualistic usage of motifs and colour, based on each respective aspects' corresponding symbolic value. Gallery See also Hexi Caihua Ancient Chinese wooden architecture Chinese Architecture Yingzao Fashi Architecture of the Song Dynasty Dancheong References External links http://www.gd.gov.cn/zjgd/lnwh/fywh/ctms/content/post_108920.html Chinese art Architectural styles Architectural elements Chinese painting Architecture in China Chinese architectural history