Chinese traditional figure pattern art

Author: Zheng Jun (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: This book includes patterns such as paper-cutting, toys, face paintings, masks, auspicious figures, and historical figures from different dynasties. Among them, paper-cutting art has distinct national and regional characteristics. Whether in the south or north, among Han or ethnic minorities, various types of paper-cutting can be seen. Paper-cutting in Jiangnan is often exquisite and elegant, while that in Northwest China tends to be rough and rustic. Toys are handcrafted by laborers using local materials and skills, reflecting their aesthetic tastes. Almost every region has its own unique toys. In terms of theme, they emphasize entertainment and fun; in shaping, they combine exaggerated distortion with vivid and lively designs; in color usage, they prioritize symbolic meaning while focusing on pure color contrasts. Face paintings are a form of makeup used in opera and dance to represent characters' identities and personalities, creating an attractive stage effect. The drawing of face paintings follows strict rules and conventions, where colors carry special symbolic meanings: red signifies loyalty, yellow represents competence, white indicates cruelty, and gold and silver suggest transcendence and uniqueness. Through colors, audiences can quickly discern a character's virtue or vice. Masks, also known as false faces, are called "face shells" or "faces" in folk culture. Masks serve two functions: one is for performance, and the other is to hang on doorframes or windows for warding off evil and decoration. Masks are categorized into types such as spiritual dance masks, Nuo opera masks, kitchen fire masks, hanging masks, and opera masks. In ancient times, materials included gold, jade, bronze, ivory, iron, and ceramics, while modern materials consist of wood, tree bark, gourds, clay, and paper. Auspicious figures gradually emerged in human history, representing people's beliefs and concepts. They often employ metaphor, analogy, pun, symbolism, and homophonic expressions, drawing themes from auspicious phrases, folk proverbs, and myths to convey wishes for good fortune and disaster avoidance. Therefore, their themes are clear, their concepts clever, and they possess a unique and rich national flavor. The purpose of compiling and illustrating this book is to promote and carry forward traditional Chinese art while encouraging art workers to delve deeper into it. During the compilation process, the collected materials were redrawn and organized to meet modern design requirements.