Qin And Han Dynasties Lacquerware Moire Ornamentation

Moire has a long history, is one of the Chinese traditional patterns. We can see that moire has a wide application in lacquer ware, jade, porcelain and modem architecture. It includes abstract geometric moire, different forms of roll moire; they all convey the Chinese culture and aesthetic spirit.Moire is a unique pattern in China, and was often used in Qin dynasty, but it was only used as a trim. Because Qin shihuang, Han wudi and other rulers intended to pursue immortality, and the thinking of Gods ascend to heaven was in vogue at that time, so the moire was very popular in Han dynasty. Taoists believe that the flow of "gas" is the carrier of life; moire is the best form to express this, so they began to study moire. Moire has various forms in lacquer ware, and it also reflects the pursuit of life by the ancients.Because of the unification of Qin and Han dynasty, it caused a series of changes in Chinese society. Feudal separatist rule came into unification in politics, ethnic integration, the significant increase in economy, the rapid development of science and technology, changes in social stratum, and those factors all influenced lacquer decoration. In Han dynasty, people deepened their understanding of universe and nature, changed their values, and enhanced self-awareness, so they became to pursue pleasure and immortality. Under the influence of these ideas, aesthetic consciousness also changed, including the concept of universe, the skills to become immortal, yin and yang (in Chinese thought, the two opposing principles in nature, the former feminine and negative, the latter masculine and positive), the five elements (metal, wood, water, fire and earth), prophecy and theology. Because of these changes in society and ideology, the moire in the lacquer ware of Qin dynasty changed into the combination of moire, spirited birds and animals in the lacquer ware of Han dynasty.Moire has a wide range of application; it has been widely used in ancient architecture, clothing, furniture, mural and stone carving. According to the rich cultural connotation of moire, designers did a thorough research; they had successfully combined the traditional meaning of moire with the modern logo design.