Chen Family Temple

Guangzhou, China

The Chen family's wealth was displayed in carvings and sculptures of wood, brick, and stone, and all manner of decoration and craftsmanship in the Guangzhou compound. Surprisingly, this grand edifice of conspicuous consumption and elite patronage was spared during the Cultural Revolution. It is indeed fortunate that visitors today can appreciate the best workmanship of decorative arts from the turn of the century in South China.