One, Preface
Hanfu, as an essential part of traditional Chinese culture, has a long history and profound heritage. Over the past few thousand years, Hanfu has undergone many changes, with styles differing across dynasties. In this article, we will delve into the differences between Zhou-style Hanfu and Ming-style Hanfu.
Two, Basic Characteristics of Zhou-style Hanfu
Zhou-style Hanfu, also known as Chu Hanfu, is the traditional attire from the Han dynasty period, with its basic characteristics as follows:
1. Fabric: Zhou-style Hanfu predominantly uses silk fabrics, and comes in a variety of colors, with gold, purple, green, red, and other bright hues commonly seen in Zhou-style Hanfu.
2. Robe Style: The main robe styles of Zhou-style Hanfu include “flowing wide sleeves” and “flowing sleeveless.” The design of the flowing wide sleeves style is particularly dignified when worn, such as jackets with wide sleeves and robes with wide armpits, which are all part of the flowing wide sleeves style.
3. Clothing Features: Zhou-style Hanfu mainly consists of two parts, the upper garment and the lower garment. The upper garment is usually a long robe, while the lower garment is a skirt. Moreover, the skirts of Zhou-style Hanfu are often floor-length, embodying the Han people's appreciation for modesty and propriety.
4. Accessories: The accessories of Zhou-style Hanfu are very diverse, including silk sashes, jade pendants, gold ornaments, etc. Especially the headwear, the headwear of Zhou-style Hanfu has unique designs, such as golden crowns, layered gauze adorned with gold and emerald, pearls, etc., to showcase the wearer's noble status.
Three, Basic Characteristics of Ming-style Hanfu
Ming-style Hanfu, also called Ming-dynasty Hanfu, is the traditional attire from the Ming dynasty period, with its basic characteristics as follows:
1. Fabric: Ming-style Hanfu primarily uses silk fabric, with simple patterns and elegant colors. Ming-style Hanfu emphasizes overall coordination, often using fabrics of similar color schemes, reflecting the aesthetic values of Ming society.
2. Robe Style: The main robe style of Ming-style Hanfu is “standing collar.” The high and dignified standing collar conveys an aura of authority. One notable feature is the length of the sleeves; the sleeves of Ming-style Hanfu are generally shorter than those of Zhou-style Hanfu.
3. Clothing Features: Ming-style Hanfu still comprises two parts, the upper garment and the lower garment. The upper garment remains a long robe, but the long robes of Ming-style Hanfu have a more fluid silhouette, reflecting the aesthetic standards of graceful femininity in Ming society. The lower garment includes petticoats and pants. Besides focusing on women, the cutting of men's Ming-style Hanfu also emphasizes a sense of curves and overall harmony.
4. Accessories: The accessory design style of Ming-style Hanfu is more minimalist and elegant. Headwear mainly consists of hairstyles, typically created using techniques such as letting hair grow, braiding, and coiling. Among the accessories, jade pendants are significant, representing Ming society's appreciation for jade.
Four, Differences Between Zhou-style Hanfu and Ming-style Hanfu
In terms of fabric, Zhou-style Hanfu emphasizes diversity, with bright colors showcasing the wearer's wealth and status. Ming-style Hanfu pays more attention to color coordination and tends towards harmonious overall coloring.
In terms of robe style, Zhou-style Hanfu focuses on flowing wide sleeves, conveying a dignified demeanor. Ming-style Hanfu leans towards the “standing collar” style, exuding an aura of authority and nobility.
In terms of clothing features, Zhou-style Hanfu is characterized by floor-length skirts, embodying the concept of modesty and propriety. Ming-style Hanfu focuses on overall coordination, pursuing the image of graceful femininity. Additionally, the cutting of men's Ming-style Hanfu is more refined, emphasizing a sense of curves.
In terms of accessories, Zhou-style Hanfu boasts a rich variety, symbolizing the wearer's noble status. The accessories of Ming-style Hanfu are more minimalist and elegant, emphasizing the importance placed on jade.
In summary, there are clear differences between Zhou-style Hanfu and Ming-style Hanfu in terms of fabric, robe style, clothing features, and accessories. Zhou-style Hanfu places greater emphasis on showcasing the wearer's wealth and status, whereas Ming-style Hanfu prioritizes color coordination and overall coordination. While they differ in aesthetic concepts, both represent important schools within traditional Chinese culture. For Hanfu enthusiasts, understanding and appreciating these different styles not only helps promote traditional culture but also deepens one's understanding and appreciation of the wisdom and aesthetic pursuits of ancient Chinese people.
