Wooden bracket arches, wood carved bracket arches, antique architectural bracket arches

Corbels are a superior and essential element in Chinese architectural structures, forming an indispensable chapter in the evolution of Chinese architecture. As a unique and significant component of Chinese architecture, corbels not only share the rise and fall of architectural history with it but also embody a facet of Chinese spiritual life. Regarding the function of corbels, pioneers in Chinese architectural education have provided a relatively precise explanation: "To reduce shear stress between beams, joists, and pillars, an overhanging part is used: numerous rectangular wooden blocks and elbow-shaped curved pieces are layered and extended outward; under the beams, they can increase the load-bearing capacity of the beam over the same clear span, and under the eaves, they can extend the overhanging part further."