Taiwan (Formosa)- Maximum Card –Traditional Architecture(4V) 1996

To help citizens value the cultural treasure of ancient Chinese architecture and at the same time to publicize, in a systematic way, Taiwan´s traditional architectural culture, issued a set of four stamps portraying the Tu-Kung (bracket set), Chiue-ti (bracket set), Bu-tong (short beam) and Dye-tou Structure (aheap bracket structure). These are the four most distinctive parts on the column and beam of the traditional Taiwanese construction.
　　The designs of the stamps are briefly explained in the following:
　　1. Tou-kung (bracket set) a structure comprised of Tou (bracket block) and kung (bracket arm)   Tou-Kung is placed on the top of the column or the beam to support the weight of the roof.
　　2. Chiue-ti (bracket set) the triangular part which was put under the cross of the beam and the column to prevent them from swaying.
　　3. Bu-tong (short beam) the short beam under the eaves with colored paintings on it The engraving part under Bu-tong is called Yuan-Kuang.
　　4. Dye-tou Structure (aheap bracket structure) a construction making use of columns, beams, bracket arms and bracket blocks This kind of structure is unique in southern China, particularly in Taiwan.