Exploring the Element of Form Based on Traditional Chinese Auspicious Patterns

Abstract

Chinese traditional auspicious patterns, which date back more than 5,000 years, are a vital component of national art and traditional culture. These patterns have special meanings and are often associated with good wishes and blessings. Their development reached its peak in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. This research on auspicious patterns focuses mainly on the creation method and classification, with few forms.  It seeks to ascertain the features of the traditional auspicious pattern form in China. This study adopts qualitative analysis, specifically in analyzing patterns by observation. Based on Panofsky's theory of iconography, the study selected six common Chinese traditional auspicious patterns and analyzed them to determine their classification, layout, composition and elements. It can be concluded that their form is characterized by various elements, specifically figurative and complete, complex pattern formations, full layout designs, balanced or symmetrical compositions, and single or fit patterns. Thus, this study summarized the pattern form analysis model or the PFC-Model. By addressing this gap in knowledge, the study enhances understanding of auspicious patterns. At the same time, the pattern analysis model can be used to analyze similar patterns, which makes it easier to analyze other pattern forms and brings the study of traditional Chinese patterns to a new height. In the meantime, this research only studies the external form of auspicious patterns. In this regard, as form and color is the first layer of research mentioned in Panofsky's image theory, it needs to be more comprehensive. In the future, researchers can continue to explore its color characteristics and extend the research into the content of the first layer of the theories. Undoubtedly, researchers can also expand the analysis of auspicious patterns using the theory's second and third layers.