Temple Of Heaven

Temple of Heaven

The Emperor of China was regarded as the son of Heaven, responsible for the celestial power for success or failure of his government. The Ming Dynasty built the Temple of Heaven in about 1420, and it was the detail of circles and squares that decorate the roof edge of the temple that inspired these earrings. From the Journey to China. From Cassandra's journey to China...

Of all of Peking's enchanting sights, the beauty of the Altar of Heaven is the hardest to describe. It's sublime austerity is mocked by words. It is what it is - the most fitting architectural expression of man's highest aspirations in the world.

John Blofeld, City of Lingering Splendour, 1961