Analysis of the visual language of lotus patterns in the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern dynasties

Lotus is one of the traditional Chinese patterns that runs deep in the history of China. During the rule of Wei and Jin dynasties, as well as Northern and Southern dynasties (222 – 589 AD), Buddhism teaching has become widespread in China. Buddhism affected the traditional Chinese lotus patterns in terms of the used artistic means and methods of expression. Analysis is conducted on manifestation and evolution of the artistic form of the lotus pattern in Chinese culture, as well as the changes in its artistic means of expression and graphics based on the information described in the scientific literature dedicated to artefacts. The conclusion is made that the development and evolution of decorative patterns is often a result of interaction of different cultures and forms of art, rather than continuation of one or another single line. The author summarizes the common artistic form of lotus patterns of this period, as well as the basis of the visual language of lotus patterns and its development. The artistic style of this period under review remains in a relatively stable transitional stage from the perspective of formal expression.

The Influence of Chan on the Artistic Conception of Poetry in Tang Dynasty

An important achievement of Tang Dynasty poetry was the birth of the theory of "Yijing". The theory of "Yijing" was an important category in Chinese classical aesthetics. During the Wei and Jin Dynasties, the theory of "imagery" had been put forward. However, aestheticians in the Tang Dynasty did not stop at "imagery". In terms of one category, it is possible to elevate "imagery" to a new category of "yijing" through the enlightenment of Chan thought, which further promoted the development of poetry after the Tang Dynasty.

The influence of Buddhism upon the Chinese traditional lotus pattern

Lotus pattern is one of the traditional Chinese ornaments that dates back to the ancient times. During the rule of Wei and Jin dynasties, as well as Northern and Southern dynasties (222 – 589 AD), Buddhism has largely prevailed across the territory of the Great Plain of China. The forms, methods of expression, and meanings of the Chinese traditional ornaments that used the lotus pattern have changed under the influence of Buddhism. This article analyzes the peculiarities of synthesis of the Buddhist lotus ornament with the Chinese traditional culture, as well as the degree of impact of Buddhism upon the form, means of expression, and symbolic meaning of lotus patterns in the Chinese society. Having studied the scientific literature and research on the topic, the author analyzes he peculiarities of evolution of lotus pattern in China after the spread of Buddhism.  The key stages of the development of lotus ornament in Buddhist decoration are examined. The conclusion is made that Buddhism played a crucial role in transformation of characteristics and means of expression of the lotus ornament, as well as extensively complemented and changed the symbolic meaning of lotus in Chinese culture and people’s perception. Buddhism not only enriched the exterior and shape of the Chinese louts ornament, but made a significant contribution to its inscape.

The Personality Beauty Thought in New Accounts of Old Episodes

"New Accounts of Old Episodes" is a classic handed down in China, which reflects the personality image and charm of the scholars in the Wei and Jin dynasties with the original ecological narrative technique. The scholars of the Wei and Jin Dynasties were detached, facing the world with an aesthetic attitude beyond secular utilitarianism, etiquette, and real life, establish a graceful social stage of vulgarity, create a unique personality beauty, providing valuable ideological wealth for the cultivation of poetic spirit, poetic dwelling, aesthetic style, transcend personality, and wisdom.