2/24/2023 0 Comments Pixiu dragon meaning![]() ![]() Would you rather have a pussy cat protecting you or a fierce demon? Whatever their function, the taotie became a revered motif that artists throughout Chinese history returned to time and again. It is even possible they were demonic representations of entities capable of fighting harmful spirits. Perhaps they were stylized forms of animals connected with shamanic rituals or the representation of harmful spirits. Nevertheless, considering the ceremonial functions of the large vessels they adorned and the highly ritualistic culture of the Shang people, recent scholars generally agree the taotie had some sort of religious significance. ![]() Ginger Jar with Dragon motif PRIMITIVE I.D. On the other hand, an interpretation from the early 20th century by art historian Max Loehr designated the taotie as a wholly aesthetic and artistic development with no symbolic relevance whatsoever.ġ9th C. Later scholars and antiquarians of the Song dynasty (960-1279), basing their assumptions on the Lushi Chunqiu, regarded the taotie as a gluttonous ogre, a description still widely accepted today. It described the physical characteristics of the taotie design and noted that it was a fearsome creature capable of devouring humans. The term 'taotie' can be traced back to a classic text written around 239 BCE called Lushi Chunqiu. Typically described as a mysterious monster, its ferocious visage with prominent, piercing eyes and no lower jaw has been found on numerous Shang dynasty (1558-1046 BCE) ritual bronze vessels as central and prominent decoration. One of the biggest mysteries in Chinese art is the taotie symbol. Crystal Snuff Bottle with Taotie Motif PRIMITIVE I.D. Although the symbolism found in Chinese art spans many categories including animals, plants and religious motifs, some of the oldest, most intriguing and widely used symbols were inspired by ancient mythological tales and the creatures associated with them.ġ9th C. Although the origins of many designs have been lost in time, scholars over the centuries have never stopped researching and speculating on their cultural relevance. Add in the continual repetition and reproduction of ancient forms and motifs and you have both researchers – and collectors – delight. The visual language itself is so rich, even seemingly mundane artworks incorporating the written language can become steeped in symbolic significance. Chinese art has evolved from over 10,000 years of continuous cultural development and over 3,500 years of written records. #A0309-017Ī great joy to be found in the researching and collecting of Chinese art is the sheer depth of history and symbolism found in the subject. Jade Toggle Depicting a Taotie PRIMITIVE I.D. ![]()
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