New Copper Doors and Decorations at China's Second Historical Archives | Sustaining Historical Culture: Ruimao Copper Art Preserves and Innovates

New Building of the Second Historical Archives of China
Copper Doors and Copper Decorations

“Use copper as a mirror to straighten your clothes; use history as a mirror to understand the rise and fall of dynasties; use people as a mirror to understand your gains and losses.”
——Tang Taizong, Old Book of Tang, Biography of Wei Zheng

The new building of the Second Historical Archives of China recently made its stunning debut. The overall architecture resembles a giant “Lu Ban lock,” with the main entrance featuring modern copper doors and decorations in the style of the Republic of China era, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship and the revitalization of “national treasures.”
The new building of the Second Historical Archives of China is located in Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, with a total floor area of approximately 88,800 square meters. It serves as a central-level national archive dedicated to the centralized storage of archives from all central governments and their affiliated institutions during the Republic of China period (1912–1949), making it a crucial venue for the preservation of national historical documents.

The main entrance of the building is a copper gatehouse 19.4 meters wide and 6.8 meters high, with a main gate 4.06 meters high. The new building will be used as a national archive under the direct jurisdiction of the central government, open to the public for visiting and viewing exhibitions.

Looking back at history  Copper “flower windows”
 

The design concept of the new building of the Second Historical Archives of China is to echo the interior and exterior, trace back to tradition, and be inclusive. The copper lattice decoration at the main entrance of the building continues the image of “flower windows” on the exterior of the old building, using the time-honored copper combined with a retro style to reflect cultural heritage.

The ingeniously designed and exquisitely crafted copper latticework subtly frames the view, creating a unique decorative effect that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the building's exterior.

Historical Imprints   Letter Culture

Ancient scripts have been passed down through the ages on oracle bones, bronze vessels, bamboo and wood slips, silk, and paper, gradually revealing the clear threads of history.

The copper door at the main entrance of the building resembles an open scroll, and the unique texture of copper expresses a desire to explore history.
Opening the door to history

Only by reviewing history can we identify the patterns of a particular historical period and find the right path for future development. The main entrance gate of the new museum embodies the spirit of the Republic of China era and bears witness to the tortuous history of modern China.

The main entrance Glass Copper Door uses a balanced door technology system, allowing visitors to “gently push open” the door and step into history, explore the history of the Republic of China, and enter this turbulent and bustling era.

Rui Mao Copper Art Living Up to Our Mission
Every stunning piece is a testament to hard work and dedication.
Behind the copper gatehouse of the new building of the Second Historical Archives of China lies Rui Mao Copper Art's reverence for history, its relentless pursuit of perfection in every detail, and the relentless efforts and seamless collaboration of the team.
The new building of the Second Historical Archives of China will serve as Nanjing's historically distinctive “city living room.” The copper gatehouse and main entrance completed by Rui Mao Copper Art will also serve as a key showcase of historical and cultural elements, highlighting unique copper craftsmanship, promoting copper culture, and bringing intangible cultural heritage into daily life.