The Relationship Between "Dao" and "Qi" in Pre-Qin Aesthetics: A Perspective from Bronze - Vessel Art
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jtm.202513304
Author(s)
Xinxu Liu, Xiaonan Guo
Affiliation(s)
College of Art and Design, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, China
Abstract
The Pre-Qin period is an early stage in Chinese history, achieving remarkable accomplishments not only in politics and philosophy but also in aesthetic thought, leaving a significant mark. During this era, various schools of thought flourished, laying a solid foundation for the development of aesthetics in later generations. In the vast realm of Pre-Qin aesthetics, the relationship between "Dao" and "Qi" is particularly noteworthy. As a philosophical concept, "Dao" in Pre-Qin aesthetics is manifested as the exploration and pursuit of the essence and laws of the universe and all things; while "Qi, " as the carrier of material culture, bears people's aesthetic concepts and life ideals. the inclusion of Pre-Qin bronze ware in the aesthetic perspective represents a logical progression from textual interpretation to the study of artifacts in Pre-Qin aesthetics. Bronze ware art, as an important form of art during the Pre-Qin period, reflects the close connection between "Dao" and "Qi" through the unity of its patterns, shapes, practical functions, and aesthetic value. This paper will explore the relationship between "Dao" and "Qi" in Pre-Qin aesthetics from the perspective of bronze ware art. By examining the historical development, stylistic characteristics, and philosophical connotations of bronze ware art, it reveals its significant position in Pre-Qin culture and further uncovers the profound implications of Pre-Qin aesthetics.
Keywords
Pre-Qin Aesthetics; Dao and Qi; Bronze Ware Art; Aesthetic Value
References
[1] Huang, Houming. "A Study of Pre-Qin Bronze Aesthetics from the Perspective of Intellectual History. " Journal of Beijing Normal University (Social Sciences Edition), 2023, no. 3, pp. 119-129.
[2] Xie, Yangju, and Qin, Xiao. "Laozi's Philosophy of History. " Journal of Northwest University (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition), pp. 1-8. [Online]. Available: [Journal Homepage]. [Accessed: 02-Jan-2025].
[3] Han, Wei. "The 'Art as a Vehicle for the Way' Tradition in Chinese Art. " Gansu Social Sciences, 2022, no. 06, pp. 63-71.
[4] Sun, Dianling. "The Daoist Aesthetic of 'Harmony' in Ecological Context. " Research in Dialectics of Nature, 2005, vol. 21, no. 8, pp. 17-20.
[5] Lan, Juan. "A Study of Pre-Qin notions of making objects. " Nankai University, 2015.
[6] Zeng, Xi. "The culture of ding vessels in pre-Qin times. " Wuhan University of Technology, 2010.
[7] Zhang, Ying. "The evolution of bronze ware and the art of the Bronze Age. " Jilin University, Jilin, 2009.
[8] Li, Longsheng. "The distinction between the Way and artifacts: On the aesthetics of ancient Chinese notions of artifacts. " Chinese Literary Criticism, 2018, no. 03, pp. 55-66+158.
[9] Yao, Dan. "A Study of Pre-Qin Design Aesthetics. " Wuhan University, 2016.
[10] Zhu, Zhirong, and Shao, Junqiu. "The aesthetic features of Shang Dynasty bronze patterns. " Journal of Anhui Normal University (Social Sciences Edition), 2003, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 98-102.
[11] Dong, Rui, and Gao, Pengfei. "The decoration and symbolism of the stands with cranes: A study of their origins. " Central Plains Cultural Relics, 2023, no. 03, pp. 117-124.
[12] Huang, Nianran, and Huang, Tianfei. "'Containers' and ancient Chinese artistic creation. " Jianghuai Forum, 2024, no. 2, pp. 83-89.
[13] Dong, Tao. "A study of the forms of Pre-Qin bronzes. " Wuhan University of Technology, Hubei, 2003.