Eaves Columns

　　Eaves columns are a distinctive feature of Qufu architecture, and the stone eaves columns of the Dacheng Hall are the most representative. The 28 freestanding stone pillars around the hall are 6 meters tall and 0.8 meters in diameter, with lotus-shaped bases at the bottom. The 18 stone pillars under the left, right, and rear eaves are all octagonal, featuring shallowly carved relief designs of coiled dragons. Each pillar is adorned with 72 dragons.

　　The 10 pillars along the front eaves are intricately carved in high relief with the motif of two dragons playing with a pearl, set against surging waves and accented with rocky outcrops. The 10 dragon pillars are arranged in five pairs, each exquisitely crafted and exceptionally transparent in carving—rare even within the region. It is said that when Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty visited Qufu to pay homage to Confucius, the stone pillars were all wrapped in red silk so that the emperor would not see them, for fear he might blame them for surpassing the grandeur of the imperial palace.