Research On Folk Ancient Beds In Eastern Sichuan Region From The End Of Qing Dynasty And The Initial Stage Of The Republic Of China

Chongqing used to belong to Eastern Sichuan region. It has a long history as well as many cultural traditions. A lot of ancient folk beds are remained from the end of Qing dynasty and the initial stage of the Republic of China, which are not widely investigated yet. They are of considerable research value, either from archaeology point of view or historical and cultural relics point of view. This thesis consists of six chapters which are described as follows. Chapter 1 is introduction. This chapter discusses the objective and significance of this thesis, the research value is pointed out as well. It also introduces the current stages of investigation on this topic both in China and abroad. The achievement and insufficiency of the research so far are analyzed. It further defines the main content of this thesis and correlated concepts, the methodology is also described. Chapter 2 is a review of the history of bedding furnitures in China. This chapter discusses the origin of ancient beds and their developments during various eras, considering ancient beds in Eastern Sichuan region together with Chinese history and culture. It's concluded that the development of beds is closely related to people's living habits and the advances of society and economy. At the same time, the significance of ancient beds in Eastern Sichuan region is evaluated. Chapter 3 is the constructive structures of ancient folk beds in Eastern Sichuan region. This chapter analyzes and discusses ancient beds in Eastern Sichuan region from the aspects of materials and quality, shaping design and architecture aesthetic implied meaning. Limited by environmental resources, the raw materials for producing ancient beds in Eastern Sichuan region are not sufficient, which influences their quality to some degree. However, the abundance of their shaping designs and structures and especially their local characteristics are amazing. Chapter 4 is the wood carving ornament of ancient beds in Eastern Sichuan region. This chapter discusses the wood carving ornament and painting techniques of ancient beds in Eastern Sichuan region. The wood carving ornaments are introduced including relief, openwork carving, circular carving and linear carving techniques. The painting, coating, gilding and drawing techniques are analyzed. The excellence of wood carving ornament compensates the insufficiency of the quality of the ancient beds. Chapter 5 is the line decoration characteristics of ancient beds in Eastern Sichuan region. This chapter analyzes the expression techniques, line decoration types and line decoration implied meanings of the line decoration characteristics of ancient beds in Eastern Sichuan region. Their expression techniques are usually the characteristic of plants and animals or homophones. Their line decoration designs include plants, animals, objects, scenes and fairytales. Their implied meanings including pursuing wealth, husband and wife harmony, son and heir richness, longevity and safety, etc. Chapter 6 is conclusion. This chapter is the summary of the whole thesis. It points out the current deep end of protecting ancient beds in Eastern Sichuan region, based on conclusively summarizing this research. Suggestions are further provided on how to salvage and protect these cultural relics.The main creative points of this thesis can be summed up into three sentences. Firstly, it's the first investigation on this topic in details and is therefore of innovative values. Secondly, the materials, textures, shaping designs and production techniques of ancient beds in Eastern Sichuan region are deeply discussed with their characteristics pointed out. Thirdly, the focus on the implied meanings of line decorations reveals local folk-customs.