Abstract: The unique natural conditions, human history and social environment of Lingnan have shaped the architectural decoration style of local classical gardens, which is elaborate and gorgeous, presenting gilded and coloured carvings and paintings, complicated forms, elegant styles, and exquisite workmanship. Although domestic studies on the architectural decorative style of Lingnan classical gardens started early, there is basically no further systematic research on the architectural ornamentation style identified as "elaborate" and "gorgeous". In particular, there is a lack of studies on the characteristics, causes and expressions of this style from the perspective of traditional Chinese aesthetics. Therefore, we study the two aesthetic orientations of "natural and refreshing style" and "gilded and coloured style" in the traditional Chinese philosophical approach to aesthetics to demonstrate that there is neither a baseness nor a nobleness intrinsic to either but only a difference in aesthetic choices. The public not only has a demand for the aesthetics of a gilded and coloured style but also requires a return to blandness and seclusion to enjoy the experience of a natural and refreshing style. As a result of painstaking artistic efforts, as well as the aesthetic crystallization of a great deal of physical and mental labour, the elaborate and gorgeous beauty of the gilded and coloured style in the architectural ornamentation of Lingnan gardens deserves to be given a higher aesthetic appraisal than the aesthetic designation of vulgarity or any style "despised by the gentleman". Then, we argue that the aesthetic core of Lingnan's classical gardens is based on natural adaptability, with social adaptability as its core content and humanistic adaptability as its core direction. This is due to the distinctive regional characteristics shaped by the natural conditions of Lingnan that inform the local aesthetic style. Specific political and economic factors, among others, and long-term experience with foreign trade have promoted the awakening of civic consciousness; the majority of the gardens, mainly designed by the gentry and merchant groups, receive an aesthetic emphasis on the value of pragmatism. The local culture constantly mixed with and transformed the cultures of the Central Plains and overseas, creatively realizing the translation and reconstruction of culture. The end result formed the unique style of the architectural ornamentation in Lingnan classical gardens and was expressed through the two aspects of colour and carving. Decorations are based on dark colours, with bright colours interspersed locally, combined with coloured glass, lacquer and gold coating used in elaborate carving techniques to form a splendid and complex decorative style. Carvings emphasise details on the basis of the basic outline of the building, enhancing the visual effect of the building through plastic arts with gorgeous colours and elaborate craftsmanship; this detail is expressed through three carvings and two sculptures. Finally, we conduct a detailed study of the architectural ornamentation of Panxi Restaurant, a traditional Lingnan garden restaurant, by comparing actual Lingnan classical gardens and Guangfu mansions. We identify the system of architectural ornamentation and guide the practice of conservation and rebuilding of Panxi Restaurant. We hope to build a living museum that inherits the architectural style of Lingnan classical gardens, folk crafts and the display of nonheritage culture in conservation and regeneration to provide a reference for subsequent research on Lingnan classical gardens. This study is based on the combination of historical literature and actual cases, limited by the singularity of the type of sample, so there is a lack of quantitative research on the architectural ornamentation of Lingnan classical gardens. As a next step, we will use multidisciplinary cross-cutting research and focused quantitative analyses to increase scientific validity and accuracy in response to existing problems.

Key words: lingnan classical garden, aesthetic studies, elaborate and gorgeous, architectural ornamentation style, Panxi restaurant

摘要： 岭南独特的自然条件、人文历史和社会环境塑造了岭南古典园林“繁复”与“绚丽”的建筑装饰风格，通过研究中国传统哲学审美体系中“出水芙蓉”和“错彩镂金”两种审美取向，解析岭南古典园林的审美内核，进而总结出岭南古典园林建筑装饰风格的审美属性是以其自然适应性为基础，以社会适应性为内容规范和以人文适应性为指向，并通过色彩装饰、塑形装饰表现出来。最后在岭南传统园林酒家——泮溪酒家的保护更新中进一步论证岭南古典园林的建筑装饰风格，以期抛砖引玉为后续岭南古典园林的研究提供参考线索。

关键词: 岭南古典园林, 美学研究, “繁复”与“绚丽”, 建筑装饰风格, 泮溪酒家