A Semiotic Analysis of the Cultural Meanings in Shu Brocade Patterns: A Case Study of the Fu Lu Shou Xi Pattern

Abstract

This study aims to systematically analyze the representative "Fu Lu Shou Xi" (福禄寿喜, Fortune, Prosperity, Longevity, Joy) pattern in Shu brocade using Charles Morris's triadic semiotic theory. Employing a qualitative research approach, this study utilizes archival research and visual analysis methodologies. Data was collected from historical documents, museum collections including Qing dynasty artifacts from Sichuan Museum and 1980s weavings from Chengdu Shu Brocade Weaving and Embroidery Museum, and academic literature. Through Morris's framework of syntactics, semantics, and pragmatics, the research examines the pattern's formal composition, cultural symbolism, and social functions across different historical contexts. The syntactic analysis reveals a diamond grid arrangement creating infinite extension effects through four-way continuous patterns, embodying traditional aesthetics of boundaryless repetition. The semantic analysis demonstrates that the four core medallions constitute a comprehensive meaning system: "Fu" reinforces auspicious meanings through bat and heart motifs; "Lu" symbolizes scholarly cultivation via Four Arts motifs; "Shou" incorporates wan characters and treasure vase motifs representing longevity and wisdom; "Xi" echoes the "Fu" composition, forming harmonious joy and fortune symbolism. The pragmatic analysis shows the pattern's evolution from Ming-Qing dynasty status symbols to contemporary vehicles for international cultural exchange. This study expands semiotic theory application in traditional cultural research, providing new theoretical perspectives for Shu brocade preservation, transmission, and innovative development while offering analytical frameworks for traditional culture's modern interpretation and global dissemination.