Comment on “Integrating traditional Chinese patterns into modern aesthetics: a rooted theory study based on Pang Xunqin’s ‘Chinese Pattern Collection’”The application of traditional Chinese patterns in modern design is increasingly valued by people. These patterns embody the aesthetic concepts and artistic wisdom of our country. Tian, Liu and Lu (2024) primarily employ the root analysis research method to examine Pang Xunqin’s “Collection of Chinese Patterns”, aiming to explore the combination of traditional and modern aesthetics. By doing so, we can understand the relationship between traditional art and contemporary design. Root theory has a characteristic that it can summarize patterns from actual cases, which enables us to understand the complex relationship between traditional patterns and modern aesthetics.
Pang Xunqin is a crucial figure in modern art education in China. In her book “Collection of Chinese Patterns”, she elaborates on many ancient patterns, including those found on cultural relics from the Shang, Zhou, and Han dynasties, as well as on bronze and jade wares. Tian, Liu and Lu (2024) utilize this crucial data to provide a solid historical basis for the research on the changes in the pattern. During the research process, this paper adopts the three steps of grounded theory, namely open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. This research method is somewhat similar to those of previous studies. For instance, when someone was researching Xiang embroidery cultural and creative products, the design plan was also formulated based on the data obtained from the actual investigation. Compared to articles that only discuss theory, Tian, Liu and Lu (2024) place greater emphasis on practical research. The transformation methods proposed are more convincing and will be more helpful for future research.
The material used in this article is collected from the Chinese model, which makes us think about whether the sample can really represent all the situations. Although Pang’s collection is very famous in the industry, it is mainly concerned with those tall cultural relics, but it ignores the folk-art forms of different places. In fact, these folk-art forms also have considerable room for development in modern society. The theoretical model becomes more complete. It is also worth mentioning that this study actually leaves room to explore emotional and market factors. For example, Hunan embroidery research has employed a four-dimensional model that considers market, practical functions, aesthetics, and emotional value. However, this review primarily focuses on formal beauty, so we can continue to investigate how young people today perceive the emotional significance of traditional patterns. The modern transformation of traditional patterns will have more cultural influence, which can actually complement some of the points mentioned in the review article.
Tian, Liu and Lu (2024) examine the concept of “big art” proposed by Yuan Yunfu, which is indeed interesting. He said that the knowledge of different disciplines should be integrated together, such as digital technology; these new things are very consistent with the current development direction of the field of design. Take the “New Year” program in the spring evening of 2024, designers can find out the various traditional patterns from the Han Dynasty to the Ming Dynasty, and then use modern design methods to re-transform, and use AR technology to allow actors and 3D patterns to interact in real time. In the current era of advanced science and technology, how can we both retain the connotation of traditional culture and keep up with the times? This article primarily examines the conversion of static patterns, while also exploring the theoretical significance behind dynamic changes, which can help us better understand how to utilize traditional patterns in modern society. The combination of lighting and ventilation, which not only retains the beauty of the traditional pattern but also makes it practical for use, gives us a new idea: how to make the traditional pattern play a greater role in modern design. This problem is indeed worth discussing.
Now that cultures all over the world are interacting with each other, if we can see how other Eastern countries combine tradition and modernity, such as the Japanese using kimono patterns in modern fashion, or the celadon elements in Korean product design, these examples can help us better understand whether this model can be used elsewhere. By comparing different cultures, we can discuss what traditional modernization has in common and various points, and think about whether the theory proposed in the article is suitable for other cultures. To be elegant and grounded, this sentence prompts us to consider how to balance cultural authenticity with market demand. These questions make the article more widely discussed, and it is appropriate to use traditional elements in the cultural economy, both moral considerations and practical problems.
Tian, Liu and Lu (2024) analyze the basic theory and the classic research of Pang Xuan, and uses induction to sort out the laws of historical pattern changes, which brings new things to this research field. Although the article has some areas for improvement, it does not compromise its value; instead, it lays a solid foundation for subsequent research. If more information on folk patterns can be collected in the future, and the emotional factors and market reactions are also taken into account. Adapting to modern needs can also promote the exchange of design between different cultures.
Reference
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TIAN, X.; LIU, X.; LU, C. Integrating traditional Chinese patterns into modern aesthetics: a rooted theory study based on Pang Xunqin’s “Chinese Pattern Collection”. Trans/Form/Ação: Unesp journal of philosophy, Marília, SP, v. 47, n. 5, p. e02400281, 2024. Available at: https://revistas.marilia.unesp.br/index.php/transformacao/article/view/15956
» https://revistas.marilia.unesp.br/index.php/transformacao/article/view/15956
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Data availability statement:
The dataset for this article is available in the SciELO Dataverse of the Trans/Form/Ação Journal, at the link: https://doi.org/10.1590/0101-3173.2025.v48.n5.e025205
The dataset for this article is available in the SciELO Dataverse of the Trans/Form/Ação Journal, at the link: https://doi.org/10.1590/0101-3173.2025.v48.n5.e025205
