A Study Of The Subject Matter And Style Of The Woodblock Figure Carvings Of Ming Dynasty

The woodblock figure carvings of Ming Dynasty is one part of the whole cultural thoughts of Ming Dynasty, its core being the change of the literary, artistic and aesthetic thoughts and this change paying more attention to the beauty of commonness and simplicity in people's daily lives. The development of the humanistic thoughts such as the pursuit for individuality, marriage freedom and equality was just a strong and remarkable representation of humanism in the new situations of Ming Dynasty. Motivated by this trend, the woodblock figure carvings of the late Ming Dynasty experienced unprecedented changes not only in the subject matter but also in the style, and thus created a golden age for woodblock figure carvings.The development and change of the subject matter and style in Ming Dynasty woodblock figure carvings was closely related to the unique development of politics, economy and culture of Ming Dynasty. The lenient policy for the book-engraving industry, the prosperous handicraft industry, the great demand for cultural entertainment and the flourishing of drama all presented woodblock figure carvings with vast room for development. And the prosperity of Ming Dynasty woodblock figure carvings could not be independent of the participation of the common people who were not only the resources for the subject matter, the consumers, but also the creators of these woodblock figure carvings. Undoubtedly, the development of woodblock figure carvings fn Ming Dynasty could not be realized without the hard work of numerous excellent engravers whereas the participation of painters and writers greatly promoted the ideological level and the artistic value of the woodblock figure carvings.It is therefore undoubtedly meaningful to carry out a study of the subject matter and style of the woodblock figure carvings of Ming Dynasty, for, it can still provide inspirations for present-day creation of engraving and mass artistic works.Based on the considerations in the last few paragraphs, this dissertation attempts to carry out the study in three parts: the social background of the development of Ming Dynasty woodblock figure carvings, the change of the subject matter and style of the Ming Dynasty woodblock figure carvings, and the profound meanings for this change in the form and content of the Ming Dynasty woodblock figure carvings.