Analysis Of The Form And Connotation Of Chinese Traditional Architectural Ornament

China boasts a long history of its traditional architectural ornament. In the prolonged course of its development, there were a lot of ornamental forms and works with special artistic style. Moreover, as an important part of Chinese traditional architectural and plastic arts, it indicates profound artistic, cultural and social significance. Therefore, the paper is to study the features of Chinese traditional architectural ornament.The paper begins with an analysis of source and core of traditional architectural ornament, which is inevitable though difficult and complicated. Through observation of existing ornamental relics in ancient architecture, consultation of many historical records and the analysis of social and cultural background in different times, it is found that the ornament is based on practicality, necromancy and aesthetics with core ideas of hierarchy, prayer and moral education.Then follows the introduction the variety of traditional ornament. There are four different styles -- folk style, intellectual style, religious style and official style. The change and development of ornamental styles is listed while explaining every style in details. Based on the first two parts, the common connotation in the theme and form is concluded, which is the central part of the paper. The theme of traditional ornament is generalized as idealism, which is shown by careful choice of content on sacred topic, righteous and distinct theme, auspicious and consummate implied meaning; while the form is stylized—lines coupling the straight with the cured and hardness with softness, appearance combining static with dynamic posture, and artistically spaced outline. Besides, laws of the ornamental form are set off, which is the theoretical base for modern designing to absorb and develop content and form of traditional ornament. In the last part, considering the impact of globalization on traditional culture, and the urgent responsibility for rejuvenation of Chinese national art, the paper discusses the inheritance and development of traditional architectural ornament in modern times, including the realistic significance of the immemorial art, problems and opportunities when passing it down, and innovative ideas and practice.The paper starts with the forms of different ornamental techniques, analyzes their connotation, finds out the internal aesthetic laws, and tries to help spread our national traditional culture.