Have you ever been struck by the magnificent view of the Forbidden City? Have you ever marveled at the exquisite details of the palace? Have you ever wondered why there are so many strange and beautiful patterns on the palace buildings? How are they designed? What do they mean and do? And how do they embody the culture and aesthetics of ancient China? Today, we'll explore the mysteries of ancient Chinese court motifs and see how they uncover the cultural code behind royal grandeur.
Classification of court architectural motifs
Ancient Chinese court architectural patterns refer to various images, symbols, patterns, etc. drawn or carved on palaces, temples and other buildings. They are an important part of traditional Chinese patterns and one of the essences of traditional Chinese art. They not only have the function of decorating and beautifying buildings, but also have the functions of expressing auspicious meanings, embodying hierarchy, highlighting authority and dignity, and conveying history and culture.
According to the different forms and contents, we can divide the court architectural patterns into the following categories:
- Animal motifs: Motifs on various animals such as dragons, phoenixes, unicorns, lions, deer, birds, etc. Animal motifs are usually symbolic and allegorical, such as the dragon representing the emperor, the phoenix representing the queen, the unicorn representing auspiciousness, the lion representing might, the deer representing good life, and the bird representing peace.
- Plant patterns: with various plants as the theme, such as lotus, peony, chrysanthemum, plum, pine bamboo plum, etc. Plant motifs usually have the function of beautifying the environment and praising nature, and also have allegorical meanings, such as lotus flowers representing high and high, peonies representing wealth, chrysanthemums representing high purity, plum blossoms representing strength, pine bamboo plums representing longevity, etc.
- Geometric patterns: with various geometric shapes as the theme, such as square, circle, bagua, moire, echo, etc. Geometric patterns usually have the function of constituting beauty and rhythmic beauty, and also have symbolic and allegorical meanings, such as square representing the earth, circle representing the sky, Bagua representing yin and yang changes, cloud patterns representing auspicious cloud weather, echo shapes representing infinity, etc.
- Character patterns: Themes based on various characters, such as immortals, Buddhas, historical figures, theatrical figures, etc. Character motifs usually have the function of story and emotion, but also symbolic and allegorical, such as immortals representing otherworldliness, Buddha representing compassion and wisdom, historical figures representing filial piety, and drama characters representing joy, anger and sorrow.
- Ware patterns: with various utensils as the theme, such as bottles and jars, fans, lanterns, calligraphy and paintings, etc. Artifact patterns usually have practical and aesthetic functions, as well as symbolic and allegorical properties, such as bottles and cans representing peace and satisfaction, fans representing elegance, lanterns representing light shining, calligraphy and painting representing cultural accomplishment, etc.
Features of court architectural motifs
Ancient Chinese court architectural patterns have their own unique characteristics in form and content. In general, it can be summarized as follows:
- Normative: The palace architectural pattern is subject to strict norms and restrictions, and certain standards and rules must be followed in terms of material selection, shape, color, layout, etc. These norms and restrictions reflected the hierarchy and etiquette system of ancient Chinese society, and to a certain extent ensured the unity and stability of court architectural patterns.
- Symbolic: The palace architectural motifs have a strong symbolic meaning, visually conveying the majesty and dignity of imperial power. Each pattern has its own specific meaning and role, and different patterns are used in different positions and occasions. For example, the dragon is a symbol dedicated to the emperor and is widely used in important buildings such as the Hall of Taihe; The phoenix is a symbol reserved for the empress, and is used in the residences of concubines such as Kunning Palace.
- Diversity: Court architectural patterns come from a wide range of sources, and have continuously absorbed and integrated cultural elements of various nationalities and regions throughout history, showing diversity and change in style. For example, during the Yuan Dynasty, due to the influence of the Mongols on Islamic culture, many Arabesque echoes appeared in the Forbidden City; During the Qing Dynasty, many Manchu-style animal face patterns appeared.
- Artistry: The palace architectural patterns show a superb artistic level, delicate and delicate in shape, gorgeous in color, symmetrical balance in layout, and just right in decoration.
Court architectural patterns are not only a form of expression of beauty, but also a carrier of cultural inheritance. They reflect the historical changes, ethnic integration, ideological concepts, aesthetic tastes and other aspects of ancient Chinese society, and are an important part of traditional Chinese culture. We should cherish and protect these court motifs, so that they continue to serve as an education and inspiration, providing us with a perspective on ourselves and the world.