100DAYS PARTY INVITE | PHONE CASE | POSTER | SHIRT | TOTE
SOURCE: Chinese Empress costume. Digitally enhanced from rawpixel's edition of Chinese Costumes (1932).
100DAYS PARTY INVITE | TOTE
The beauty of art lies in its ability to transport one to a different world, to a different time, to a different way of life. And when it comes to ancient Chinese paintings, it is impossible to not feel this sense of wonder and awe. These paintings, with their intricate details and vibrant colors, offer a glimpse into a culture that is steeped in tradition and spirituality. And one of the most significant influences on this culture is the philosophy of Daoism. In this blog post, we will explore the connection between Daoism and ancient Chinese paintings, and how this philosophy has shaped the art of this great nation. So, let us embark on a journey of discovery, and delve into the world of art and spirituality in ancient China.
SOURCE: Wintersweet Blossom from a Flower Album of Ten Leaves (1656) painting in high resolution by Xiang Shengmo. Original from the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.. Original from the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
SOURCE: Colorful floral pattern, Examples of Chinese Ornament selected from objects in the South Kensington Museum and other collections by Owen Jones. Digitally enhanced plate from our own original 1867 edition of the book.
Peony (18th Century) painting in high resolution by Zhang Ruoai. Original from The Cleveland Museum of Art. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.
One of the main spiritual influences in Chinese art is Taoism. Taoism emphasizes nature, simplicity, and harmony. This philosophy is reflected in Chinese paintings, which often portray natural landscapes and the beauty of the natural world. Chinese artists are known for their use of symbolism, which often includes animals and plants that are commonly associated with Taoism.
SOURCE: Japanese chrysanthemum (1368 - 1644) color woodblock print by Hu Zhengyan. Original public domain image from The Cleveland Museum of Art. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.
Another spiritual influence that can be seen in Chinese art is Buddhism. Buddhism has had a significant impact on the culture of China, and this is evident in their artwork. Buddhist art often depicts religious figures such as Buddha or Bodhisattvas, as well as other symbols associated with Buddhism such as lotus flowers or the wheel of life.
SOURCE: Page from Shi Zhu Zhai (1644–1911) print in high resolution by Hu Zhengyan. Original from The MET Museum. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.
SOURCE: Flower pattern, Examples of Chinese Ornament selected from objects in the South Kensington Museum and other collections by Owen Jones. Digitally enhanced plate from our own original 1867 edition of the book.
In addition to spiritual influences, Chinese art is also shaped by philosophical ideas such as Confucianism and Daoism. Confucianism emphasizes order, morality, and social harmony while Daoism stresses spontaneity and the acceptance of nature's way. These two philosophies have influenced not only art but also literature and other forms of cultural expression.
SOURCE: Bird on branch (1368–1644) vintage Chinese painting by Chen Hongshou. Original public domain image from The Cleveland Museum of Art. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.
For example, calligraphy in China is considered an art form in its own right and is heavily influenced by both Confucianism and Daoism. Calligraphy involves writing characters using brushes and ink on paper or silk. Practitioners strive for balance between form and content, drawing inspiration from nature and us on their history but also on the spiritual beliefs that shape their lives today.
SOURCE: Page from Shi Zhu Zhai (1644–1911) print in high resolution by Hu Zhengyan. Original from The MET Museum. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.
SOURCE: Flower pattern, Examples of Chinese Ornament selected from objects in the South Kensington Museum and other collections by Owen Jones. Digitally enhanced plate from our own original 1867 edition of the book.
SOURCE: Chinese rank badge for a Third Degree Civil Official (1900) vintage embroidery. Original public domain image from the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.
SOURCE: Chinese botanical illustration, Examples of Chinese Ornament selected from objects in the South Kensington Museum and other collections by Owen Jones. Digitally enhanced plate from our own original 1867 edition of the book.
Rose (18th Century) painting in high resolution by Zhang Ruoai. Original from The Cleveland Museum of Art. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.
Red floral pattern, Examples of Chinese Ornament selected from objects in the South Kensington Museum and other collections by Owen Jones. Digitally enhanced plate from our own original 1867 edition of the book.
Small Birds on a Willow Branch and Hibiscus Blossoms
Tsubaki Chinzan Japanese
dated Fall 1850