Archive for category Chinese Traditional Art
Four Gentlemen in the World of Flowers
In ancient China, a gentleman referred to a man of great virtue. In the world of flowers, plum blossom, orchids, bamboo and chrysanthemum are known as the Four Gentlemen, also called the four Noble Ones or Four Friends. It was believed that their natural characters had something in common with human virtues. Therefore, they have always been featured in ancient paintings and works to express the virtues of loftiness, righteousness, modesty and purity.
As early as the Song Dynasty (960–1279), they were used in the Chinese painting. Later, they were also adopted by the artists in Japan, Korea, etc. As they bloom in different seasons (the plum blossom blooms in spring, the orchid in summer, the chrysanthemum in autumn, and the bamboo in winter), they are also used to depict the unfolding of the seasons through the year.
Drum
Posted by sharon in Music Instrument on October 10th, 2009
Though the origin of the drum is still unknown, it is an important musical instrument in ancient China. The earliest known record of the application of drums can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty (1600B.C.-1100B.C.).
As time goes by, this old art form undergoes great changes. It borrows and assimilates other artistic forms and expressions and becomes various in different regions.
It is applied in almost every aspect of Chinese social life, such as sacrificial and worshiping ceremonies, farming, warfare, etc. It can produce different visual impacts: sometimes it gives off a sense of invincible might; sometimes it produces graceful dancing steps.
Lion Dance
Posted by sharon in Folk Music&Dance on October 1st, 2009
As one of the most widely spread folk dance in China, lion dance is the dance in which performers mimic a lion’s movements in a lion costume. It combines Chinese art, history and kung fu moves.
It has a history of more than a thousand years. The earliest record of the dance dates back to the Han Dynasty (205 B.C. to 220 A.D). It reached its peak during the Tang Dynasty (716-907 A.D.).
In Chinese culture, the dance represents joy and happiness, so it is particularly performed during festivals and celebrations, such as Chinese New Year, the openings of restaurants and weddings, etc.
The dance is performed by two dancers. One handles the head and the other plays the role of the body. According to the styles, the performance is divided into civil lion and martial lion. Civil lion depicts the docile and funny images of a lion, while martial lion portrays the power of a lion.
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