Qilu folk art forms

Author: Kong Xinmiao, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: For us, the lotus pouches, paper-cuttings, and door gods of our hometown are a concept, a thought, and a unique cultural sentiment that is either about to or has already completely faded away. To collect this "materialized" sentiment is to collect our own unique living history, allowing us to escape the clamor of the outside world and experience the meaning and value of the "past" in quiet contemplation. The various aspects of Qilu folk art mentioned in this book provide us with such an opportunity for appreciation, ranging from ancient pottery, tiles, and Buddha statues to still-existent New Year paintings, paper-cuttings, and clay figurines today. After being amazed, one must patiently read to appreciate the true essence. This book begins with the red, white, and black of pottery, then introduces the tiles of Qi, the Han art of Shandong, the world of Buddha, the beauty of clay, and the realm of gourds—various folk sculptural arts. It essentially covers all Qilu folk sculptural arts from ancient times to the present. From the perspective of cultural history, folk sculptural art is similar to a "living fossil," with items like New Year paintings, lotus pouches, and embroidery still appearing today, seemingly representing a bygone era. Contemporary people accustomed to the hustle and bustle of the city and the coldness of steel and concrete may occasionally touch these objects, not only feeling the wisdom and creativity of their predecessors but also experiencing a simple and pure emotion. Upon careful reflection, one can even sense the "warmth of the hands" of our ancestors. While material civilization is developing at an astonishing speed, it does not hinder people from pursuing spiritual and cultural fulfillment. Thus, paper-cuttings, kites, and lotus pouches have once again become a trend: children are adorned with exquisite lotus pouches tied by adults, and transparent plastic windows are decorated with paper-cuttings titled "Qilu Folk Sculptural Art." This book is part of the "Qilu Cultural Academic Series" and is supported by the Qilu Cultural Research Center of Shandong Normal University. Reading this book allows you to appreciate the unique charm of Qilu folk art while also experiencing a different kind of cultural sentiment.