The number of knobs in the picture is 9. The door is in the Forbidden City.
The Number 9 in China
The ancient Chinese considered 9 a significant
number. They regarded odd numbers as masculine and female numbers are
feminine. Nine is the largest odd number and is therefore considered the
number of the ultimate masculine. It symbolized therefore supreme
sovereignty and is therefore to be used by the Emperor alone. The
multiples of nine are also used in the palaces.
The doors of the palaces have 9 knobs. No other
person could have 9 knobs on their doors. Ancient palaces normally had 9
quadrangles or courtyards.
The buildings of the Forbidden City are
traditionally measures as having total floor area of 9900 bays. The
picturesque towers guarding the four towers have 9 beams each and 18
columns, and the three famous screens have 9 dragons on each.
The game of nine in the Temple of Heaven is a
fascinating example of the ancient regal affinity for the number nine in
ancient China. The altar is in three tiers. The upper terrace is made
of nine concentric circles. The first ring consists of nine fan shaped
slabs, the second ring and the third 27 going up to the last ring which
has 81 slabs.
The New Year Dinner in the imperial house had 99
dishes. The celebrations of the Emperor’s birthday generally included
the number 99 – a sign of good luck and longevity for the Emperor.
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