裱 (biǎo) - To mount (paintings, calligraphy) & to paper (walls)

裱Tone 3

biǎo ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

傲不

裱 · biǎo

To mount (paintings, calligraphy);

to paper (walls);

to frame;

to decorate superficially;

to flatter.

To mount (paintings, calligraphy)to paper (walls)to frame

Usage highlights

Mount a paintingFrame calligraphyPaper a wallMounting shopMounting techniqueDecorative mounting

Synonyms

  • 装裱— to mount, to frame (more formal)
  • 裱褙— to mount, to back (technical term)

Antonyms

  • 拆— to dismantle, to take apart
  • 毁— to destroy, to ruin

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Mount the painting for preservation (裱画).
  • The calligraphy scroll needs framing (裱褙).
  • They papered the walls (裱墙).
  • Flattering someone insincerely (裱人).

Collocations

  • Mount a painting(裱画)
  • Frame calligraphy(裱字)
  • Paper a wall(裱墙)
  • Mounting shop(裱褙店)
  • Mounting technique(裱褙技术)
  • Decorative mounting(装裱)

Idioms

  • Gold and jade on the outside, rot and decay within(金玉其外，败絮其中 - related concept)
  • Beautiful packaging(花架子 - related concept)
  • Gild the lily(画蛇添足 - related concept)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Traditional Chinese mounting (装裱) is a specialized craft for preserving scroll paintings and calligraphy.
  • The character carries connotations of superficial decoration and flattery in modern slang.
  • Proper mounting enhances the aesthetic value and longevity of artistic works.

FAQ