Research on the Architectural Form and Decorative art of the Mao’s Compound in Xiyang County, Shanxi Province, China

This paper presents firsthand field data on the Mao’s Compound, gathered through field research, mapping, and interviews. It analyzes the architectural form and decorative features of the compound, which adopts a typical Siheyuan layout that harmoniously integrates practicality, durability, and aesthetics. Notable features include stone arch-vaulted kiln dwellings, brick-wood hard-roofed structures, and cave-top pavilions. These elements not only fulfill residential requirements but also accentuate aesthetic values. The compound's overall layout is symmetrically organized, reflecting the deep influence of traditional Chinese culture. The brick, wood, and stone carvings, marked by their simplicity and rustic charm, hold substantial artistic significance. As a quintessential example of Qing Dynasty residential architecture, the Mao’s Compound not only embodies the aesthetic principles of traditional Chinese architecture but also integrates Confucian thought and patriarchal values, positioning it as a key site for studying Jin merchant culture and Qing Dynasty residential architecture.