A Study On Geometric And Auspicious Patterns In China

Geometrical auspicious patterns are geometrical shapes that contain auspicious meanings, it is one of the most important forms of auspicious patterns. In the art history of China, the practice of using certaingeometrical shapes to manifest an abstract ideal dates back to ancient times, up to thousands of years,therefore in the prehistoric age, humans understood the application of geometrical symbols, this is manifested on the decoration of ancient pottery, from then till now, lasting nearly 8000 years.Auspicious symbols are the representation of natural states or art forms, it originates from society’s evolving social conduct and people’s desire for a better life, it is from this basis that geometrical auspicious symbols is a simplified form that embodies a deeper connection with people’s wishes of welfare, wealth, longevity and good luck.Our ancestors regarded ’nine’ as the highest number, <Plain Conversation?Sanbu Jiuhou Lunpian> The most important rule of the heavens and the earth starts from number one and ends at number nine. Meanwhile ’nine’ shares the same tone as ’longevity’, with an elongated auspicious meaning, therefore this essay has chose 卍, ru-yi, fang-sheng, tai-ji, shuang-qian, pan-chang and the fu, shou and xi of the seal script to research, as these nine words are the most common geometrical symbol, this essay analysed and critically examined its origins and historical transitions, more so detailed graphs is attached in the appendix for contrast and reference. It is through evidence collected from archeography, relics and monuments to establish that geometrical shapes originates from nature, extracting the practical decorations and influence of popular culture so that these geometrical shapes not only have succinct presentation, but is also characterised with its respective auspicious meaning, formulating a distinct good luck symbol representing the Chinese culture.