History & Culture

As one of the representatives of traditional Chinese clothing, the cheongsam carries rich historical and cultural connotations. It originated in China and, after a long period of development and evolution, not only showcases the elegance and nobility of Chinese women, but also has a profound impact worldwide. The cheongsam is the traditional attire of Han women, evolved from the flag attire. Because the material of the flag attire is mostly silk, it is called cheongsam. Initially, it was characterized by the "wrapped collar" of the Manchu people, and later absorbed the essence of the traditional clothing of the Han people in the process of development. In the late Qing and early Republic of China periods, with the economic and cultural development in the Han region and the exchange of Chinese and Western cultures, the cheongsam became one of the traditional clothing of Chinese women and combined with the traditional clothing of the Han people represented by the Chinese cheongsam to become a brilliant and beautiful flower in the clothing and culture of the Chinese nation. It has the characteristics of Chinese national clothing and clothing and culture, and also has the characteristics of Western clothing and clothing and culture. The…

Feiyufu (飞鱼服) first became known to the public because of the "New Dragon Gate Inn (新龙门客栈)", "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate (龙门飞甲)", "Brotherhood of Blades (绣春刀)" and other martial arts film works about the Jin Yi Wei (锦衣卫, Embroidered Uniform Guard) appeared one after another. The look of a handsome black leather Feiyufu of the Jin Yi Wei undoubtedly attracted the attention of many people. As Feiyufu became more and more famous, it almost became the representative of the Ming Dynasty official uniform in the general public's mind. So what exactly is Feiyufu and did every Jin Yi Wei in history get to wear it? In this article, we will introduce the history of Feiyufu and the origin of Jin Yi Wei, hope it will be helpful to you.   What is a Feiyufu? The name Feiyufu does not refer to a specific style of hanfu, but all hanfu decorated with Feiyu embroidery or Feiyu Buzi (补子, Mandarin square) are called Feiyufu, which only limits the style of the pattern, not the style of the clothing. In the Ming Dynasty, the Buzi on the Changfu (常服, work formal wear) of the officials were patterned with birds and animals. In the…

In the scorching heat of summer, ancient Chinese people didn't have sunscreen, but they took sun protection seriously. Though the concept of physical sunscreen is a recent development, the approach to sun protection was quite similar: "shade" was key. Follow BAZAAR CHINOISERIE to learn how ancient people protected themselves from the sun. To shield themselves from the sun while staying mobile, a sun hat is the perfect summer accessory. Surprisingly, "sun hats" aren't a modern invention; they're mentioned directly in ancient texts. For instance, during the Ming Dynasty, the "Xu Tong Dian" listed various hats, mentioning: "Sun hats were permitted for scholars entering the imperial examinations during the early Ming Dynasty. (遮阳帽，明初士人贡举入监者许戴之。)" Similarly, the "Jian Hu Ji" describes the "sun hat" as follows: "According to Ming regulations, scholars could wear large sun hats after completing their studies at the imperial college, similar to the ancient bamboo hats or the Tang dynasty silk hats. (明制。士子入胄监满日。许戴遮阳大帽。即古笠。又唐时所谓席帽也。)" In addition, there were also Weimao (帷帽) popular during the Tang and Song dynasties. These hats had thin gauze attached under wide brims, offering advanced sun protection while also shielding against some wind and dust. Curtain hats, also known as Zhaojun hats, are said to be…

In the first year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty. In order to eliminate the influence of the clothing left by the Yuan Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang issued an edict to the whole country, requiring the removal of Hu clothing. However, it was not the emperor who could determine the style of clothing, but the general public. Zhu Yuanzhang's edict on the restoration of the clothes and the crowns did not completely return people's dress to the Tang Dynasty tradition. Even many elements of Mongolian clothing of the Yuan Dynasty were retained because they were convenient to wear on a daily basis, resulting in the formation of Ming clothing of various shapes and features.   Ming Style Hanfu vs. Song Style Hanfu For the general Hanfu lover, the difference between Ming Hanfu and Song Hanfu is probably the hardest to tell. Although it is often possible to make some guesses by feeling after wearing it, it is not really easy to pick out a single piece to see. Although there was no mention in Zhu Yuanzhang's edict of restoring clothing to the style of the Song Dynasty, but the Tang Dynasty was a distant time for the people of the Ming Dynasty.…

As a traditional Chinese costume, Hanfu not only refers to the clothing of the Han Dynasty but also refers to the traditional costume of the Han nationality. Just as the harmony of kimono refers to the Dahe nationality, and the flag of Qizhuang refers to the Qiren (Manchu), the Han refers to the Han nationality, not the Han Dynasty. Tang Dynasty Clothing Hanfu is not divided according to the dynasty. Hanfu is a complete clothing system, just like Chinese characters, different historical periods will have different historical characteristics and styles, but it is not dating, but a continuous line. Some forms of Hanfu are not unique to a certain Dynasty. For example, from the Warring States period with physical research, Ru skirt finally became the most basic form of Han traditional clothing in the late Ming and early Qing Dynasty. During the period of 2000 years, although the length, width, and width have changed from time to time, the basic shape has always maintained the original style. Jin Dynasty Clothing Hanfu is mainly divided into ancient Hanfu and modern Hanfu. In fact, the ancient Han costume is the Han people’s clothing of various dynasties, including the Qin, Han, Tang, Song,…

Spring, the revival of nature, brings new life and hope. As everything is renewed, hanfu enthusiasts are also looking for inspiration for the new season's outfits. Spring is the perfect time to show off the style of hanfu, with the perfect combination of light fabrics, bright colors and classical designs, displaying an irresistible charm. In this article, we'll take a look at the latest trends in hanfu for spring 2024, so let's step into a fashion world full of classical beauty and feel the perfect blend of ancient style and modern aesthetics.   Spring Dressing in Ancient China Shan (衫, shirts) and Ao (袄, jackets) are garments frequently worn in the springtime within the traditional hanfu attire. Typically crafted from lighter, more delicate materials such as brocade and silk, they suit the climatic characteristics of spring. The Banbi (半臂, half-sleeve shirt), owing to its lightweight nature, is especially popular during this season. It can serve both as an inner shirt and as an outer garment. Highlighting the interlined garments that provide warmth without causing overheating, thus becoming the favored choice in spring hanfu. These consist of a single layer underneath with a silk outer layer. Since the pre-Qin period, it…

In China's long history, there have been countless thousands of distinguished generals and military strategists, and even today, their noble deeds and achievements are still often talked about. In this article, we will introduce Bai Qi to you. Bai Qi was a very famous general in the state of Qin during the Warring States period and his military successes laid a good foundation for the later unification of China by Emperor Qin Shihuang. According to historical records he won more than 70 battles, and never lost one. In his lifetime his troops killed over a million soldiers. Bai Qi (白起; 332 BC – 257 BC), also known as Gongsun Qi (公孫起), was a military general of the state of Qin (秦) during the Warring States period (战国时代) of China. Born in Mei (present-day Mei County, Shaanxi), Bai Qi served as commander of the Qin army for over 30 years, being responsible for the deaths of over one million people, earning him the nickname Ren Tu (人屠 lit. manslayer'). According to the historical book Shiji (史記) he captured more than 73 cities from six other enemy states, and to date no records have been found to show that Bai suffered a single…

Hanfu shoes have a long history of development. About 5000 years ago, during the Yangshao culture, the most primitive shoes made of animal skin appeared. Shoes were the first tool for people to protect their feet from injury. Later, they gradually became a symbol of people's identity and status and witnessed many special historical processes.   Brief introduction of Hanfu shoes In Hanfu, shoes are called Zuyi (足衣, clothes on feet), there are various styles of ancient Chinese Hanfu shoes and boots, and their development has gone through the process from scratch, from simplicity to complexity, from coarseness to precision. From the earliest function of warmth preservation and protection, it has developed into a symbol of identity and status. Through shoes and socks, we can see the integration and progress of the development of Chinese civilization. The earliest shoes came into being with the appearance of fabric materials and the appearance of clothes. In ancient times, the raw materials of shoes were grass, linen, and leather. Moreover, the style of shoes was rather simple. According to the literature, the earliest shoes, no matter what material they are made of, are collectively referred to as "屦, jù". After the Warring States…

1. Hanfu Types Summary The ancient Chinese costume Hanfu system can be divided into two categories: the "Fa Fu (法服)", which was based on the ritual and music system and the "Bian Fu (便服)", which was not limited by the rank system. In contemporary society, the ancient ranking system has died out, but the dress culture behind the "Fa Fu" should still be respected. Based on the dress etiquette requirements of the majority of people in each ancient era (i.e., the ancient scholar and citizen class), some historical costumes are selected and summarized into a contemporary Hanfu system. Among them, the dresses for the Guan Ji Li (冠笄礼) and wedding are based on the basic requirements of the rituals inherited from the Ming Dynasty, while the informal dresses are based on the dresses of the late Ming Dynasty. The Hanfu system and dress codes and mentioned in this article was proposed by Zun Zhou Cheng Ming (尊周承明) 1.1 Hanfu Menswear System 1.1.2 Li Fu (礼服, formal dress) It belongs to the outer clothing layers. It is one of the most solemn dresses in the contemporary men's Hanfu system and is not suitable for daily wear (the same applies to the…

The pursuit of beauty is human nature. Beauty is not only a reflection of the mind, but also a reflection of the interest in life. Tang Dynasty women are the best representatives of beauty, because they inherited the mentality of "Dress up for those who like or admire yourself (女为悦己者容)" from ancient times, and pushed the beauty ideal realm to the highest level under the booming economy and the open and tolerant social atmosphere. Court Ladies Adorning Their Hair With Flowers Lively, dignified, noble, the endless types of Tang Dynasty female hairstyles, paired with exquisite makeup, made many literati and scholars unstinting in their talent to depict the Tang women's style. Let's follow ArtMoment to go back thousands of years ago, and enjoy the beauty of Tang female hairstyles in that remarkable era of spiritedness.   Ancient Hairstyle Tips What are Ji and Huan? The ancient Chinese women's hairstyle is commonly known as Ji Huan (髻鬟, jì huán), and according to the method of combing, there are two types of Ji (髻, jì) and Huan (鬟, huán). Ji, solid hair bun, suitable for ordinary women; Huan, ring-shaped hair bun, suitable for young girls. Court Ladies Preparing Newly Woven Silk What does…

Jade pendant is not new to us. It often appears in ancient costume films and TV plays. I wonder if you are curious about why the ancients wear jade pendants, and why they are made of jade? Today, let's talk about the interesting stories behind the jade pendant. Why are jade pendants all the time and rarely heard of gold or copper pendants? Jade has a special position in the history of Chinese civilization, and it symbolizes the fine character of human nature. With the prosperity of ancient jade culture, a large number of various kinds of jade ornaments appeared in the folk, wearing jade as a trend. Jade materials are divided into several grades to meet the quality requirements of different classes, so that the jade covers a wider range of people. Why wear a jade pendant? The ancients often said: gentleman without reason, jade does not go to the body. Is the ancient man wearing jade pendants just to look good? No, it isn't. Identity symbol: accessories with different texture and appearance often have the function of distinguishing grades. Good wishes: people often give the jade pendant auspicious and wishful, exorcising evil and protecting the body. The function…

On the fashion stage, age has never been a factor that limits beauty. For women in their fifties and sixties, how to show a young and energetic image is an important topic. In recent years, the Chinese-style modified cheongsam has become a darling of the fashion industry. It not only has a strong cultural heritage but also allows middle-aged women to show a unique charm. Today, we will take He Saifei's dressing as an example to introduce the selection and matching skills of cheongsam for everyone, helping women in their fifties and sixties get rid of the feeling of auntie and show a different fashion side. First, why is the cheongsam suitable for women in their fifties and sixties? Chinese embroidery, highlighting the cultural heritage. The cheongsam with Chinese style is known for its exquisite embroidery craftsmanship. These embroidery not only reflects the craftsmanship spirit, but also allows the wearer to visually feel the quality of the clothes. A well-made Chinese cheongsam, even if the style is not fancy enough, can also show a sense of high-end with its unique cultural heritage. Long skirt design, covering the disadvantages of the figure. Formal cheongsam is usually in the long skirt style,…

Hanfu & Traditional Chinese Dress for Kids Hanfu is becoming more and more popular among young people, and traditional clothing has also attracted more attention. And children have always been cute pronouns, but what kind of surprises will there be for children to wear traditional Chinese clothes. This issue brings traditional Chinese dress for kids, so that they can also wear Chinese clothes and feel the power of traditional culture together. What kind of clothes did children wear in ancient China? It is generally believed that children in the history of China do not have their own clothes, and children have been wearing a reduced version of adult clothes, but in fact, but it's not all that. Ancient Chinese Dress for Kids Qiangbao (襁褓, swaddling) The clothing of newborn babies is more common: Qiangbao. Qiangbao was widely used in ancient China from the court down to the people. According to the literature, Qiangbao as an ancient child care product has been widely used as early as the Shang and Zhou dynasties. The term "Qiangbao" was later used to refer to babies under the age of one year. Doudu (兜肚) Doudu, with naked back when wearing, has the function of heat…

Like the dragon, Feng (凤, phoenix) is the most representative of the Chinese totem. As a rumored divine bird, the appearance of the phoenix also gathers the advantages of hundreds of beasts. In the ancient book "Er Ya", Guo Pu noted the image of a phoenix "chicken head, snake neck, swallow chin, turtle back, fishtail, variety of colors, about six feet high." But in the long years, the image of the Chinese phoenix has also been completely different in different times.   Shang and Zhou Dynasties During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, ancient people's primitive totem worship of the phoenix gradually turned into awe of centralized rule. The divine bird phoenix has its special political meaning and has become an auspicious symbol of peace in the world. Phoenix patterns usually only appear in bronzeware and jade decorations, which are the patent of princes and nobles. During the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, bronzeware was mostly used in sacrificial ceremonies and had a strict hierarchy. The sacrificial use determines the solemn and majestic overall style of bronzeware, and also affects the choice of pattern decoration on bronzeware. During this period, the phoenix pattern is mainly the image of Kuifeng (夔凤). The overall…

Recently, Dragon Television announced that China's first documentary to briefly describe the creation story of China and Chinese civilization with national archaeological discoveries, "He Yi Zhong Guo (何以中国)", will officially meet with the audience in the near future. The program team spent more than 400 days and nights photographing more than 40,000 kilometers, which is equivalent to more than one week around the equator, and photographing more than 230 archaeological sites, archaeological workstations, museums, and other sites across the country. In the "He Yi Zhong Guo" Special Program: Talk About Archaeological History, the program team invited the Chinese Hanfu restoration team  (中国装束复原小组). In the program, they took the audience on a tour of "fashionable clothing" from the Spring and Autumn period to the Three Kingdoms period through a hanfu show. The first is the long dress from the late Spring and Autumn periods to the early and mid-Warring States Period. It is characterized by the hollowing out behind the long dress, revealing the long skirt dragging on the ground. Red is the right color, which is suitable for the attendance of some important occasions. The hairstyle is a chic and delicate combed bun, showing the slender neck behind the head.…

During the Republic of China, the three most classic men's clothing, in addition to suits, Zhongshan suit, there is a Chinese traditional Changshan. At that time, gentlemen usually wear a ankle-length Changshan, only the leakage of Western-style leather shoes, so as to look enlightened and progressive, but also not lose the traditional elegance.   Characteristics of the Traditional Changshan Changshan (长衫, long shirt, or tunic), also known as Changgua (长褂, long coat), it is a style of clothing that was improved by the Han Chinese during the Qing dynasty based on the traditional robe and following the Qing dynasty clothing system. Changshan can be worn with a Magua (马褂, the prototype of Tang suit), "Magua Changshan (Changpao)", became the most common male wear in the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China. After entering the Republic of China, the number of ordinary people wearing Magua in their daily general life gradually decreased. If someone wears a Magua outside the Changshan, it is already a very grand dress, and a blue Changshan with a black Magua is the formal dress in the Republic of China. Different from the Manchu Qi dress, traditional Changshan is characterized by: no horseshoe sleeves,…

Hanfu & Traditional Chinese Dress for Kids Hanfu is becoming more and more popular among young people, and traditional clothing has also attracted more attention. And children have always been cute pronouns, but what kind of surprises will there be for children to wear traditional Chinese clothes. This issue brings traditional Chinese dress for kids, so that they can also wear Chinese clothes and feel the power of traditional culture together. What kind of clothes did children wear in ancient China? It is generally believed that children in the history of China do not have their own clothes, and children have been wearing a reduced version of adult clothes, but in fact, but it's not all that. Ancient Chinese Dress for Kids Qiangbao (襁褓, swaddling) The clothing of newborn babies is more common: Qiangbao. Qiangbao was widely used in ancient China from the court down to the people. According to the literature, Qiangbao as an ancient child care product has been widely used as early as the Shang and Zhou dynasties. The term "Qiangbao" was later used to refer to babies under the age of one year. Doudu (兜肚) Doudu, with naked back when wearing, has the function of heat…

In ancient China, there was no tap water, no washing machines, and no cleaning products such as laundry detergent, so how did ancient people launder hanfu and daily care for it?   Ancient laundry hanfu supplies: soap 1.1: Zhou Dynasty - plant ash soap In modern life, soap is the most basic of laundry clothing. However, soap was also used as a cleaning agent to wash clothes in ancient time. Ancient soap was made from "plant ashes", which is the residue of burning plants (herbs and woody plants). It was used to make soap because it was easy to get and store. The ash contains many mineral elements, including potassium carbonate, which removes stain. In the Book of Rites, a document reflecting the history and culture of the Zhou Dynasty, it is written that when the hatband and clothes were dirty, they were washed with plant ashes. “冠带垢，和灰清漱；衣裳垢，和灰请澣。” 1.2: Qin Dynasty - plant ash & shell ash soap During the Qin Dynasty, soap was further upgraded with the addition of a substance called "shell ash". The ash produced by burning shells, when mixed with plant ashes, produces potassium hydroxide, a strong alkali. Xi Shi washing the silk yarn at the…

Since ancient times, osmanthus has been inseparable from the lives of Chinese people, and the history of Chinese people's appreciation of osmanthus has been at least 2,500 years. Whether it is used in wine as osmanthus wine, as a spice, or even as a pattern on clothing, it can be said that osmanthus, is the most appropriate representative of the golden autumn. In the Song Dynasty, there is also a record: "the moon to be full when the flowers are just in full bloom, then flowers will be disabled after the moon is waning". This is a description of the flowering period of osmanthus. If there is no accident, then the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar is the day when the osmanthus is in full bloom, and after half a month the flowers wither, the moon will also become waning, the flowers bloom and fall, corresponding to the loss of the moon. The human plants and the vast universe are linked together in such a form.   Ingredients - The Fragrance of Sweet Osmanthus Cinnamon is excellent as an ingredient. However, fresh osmanthus contains tannin and tastes astringent and bitter, so they are usually pickled…

The revival of traditional clothing has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more people seeking to explore cultural heritage. Among the many aspects of Chinese culture enjoying renewed interest is the traditional dress known as hanfu. While the Tang and Ming dynasties' hanfu have been the most prevalent, but the hanfu of the Yuan Dynasty is also worth knowing. In this article, Hanfu Shidai will take us through the history of Hanfu during the Yuan Dynasty and examine its distinctive features. Firstly, prior to the Qing dynasty's implementation of the "shave hair and change clothes" policy, the traditional dress system of the Han people had been continuously inherited and developed without interruption. Although the Yuan dynasty was a period of Mongolian rule, the rulers at that time did not forcibly change the mainstream Han culture, and the Han clothing system naturally continued to be inherited. Secondly, the often mentioned "Tang-style", "Song-style", and "Ming-style" are modern-day conveniences adopted to associate with corresponding relics. They are also due to the long duration of these dynasties, which formed typical styles and designs. For example, during the Song dynasty, simplicity was valued, and the simple and elegant long Beizi became popular. In the…

When we mention Chinese porcelain, perhaps you will associate it with the simplicity and profoundness of Ru kiln, the lustrous beauty of Ding kiln, and the natural elegance of Jun kiln. Your mind will conjure up one classic masterpiece after another. However, the "BLAND DE CHINE - Dehua Porcelain Exhibition" at the National Museum of China presents us with another aspect of porcelain. This artwork, created by a contemporary artist, breaks through our usual imagination of materials. It uses porcelain to simulate thin and translucent clothing, portraying the texture and folds of the garments flawlessly. The depiction of individual strands of hair is exquisitely detailed, leaving viewers in awe. The porcelain is made to resemble paper, even imitating the rough edges of paper to a remarkable degree. Even when magnified several times, it is difficult to discern that this is actually a piece of Chinese porcelain. In the long river of history, the skilled craftsmen of ancient China fully unleashed their imagination and created some porcelain pieces that deviate from our stereotypical impression of porcelain. Let us appreciate these Chinese porcelain pieces that are the least like porcelain.   Stone or Porcelain During the Qing Dynasty, it was popular to…

Dongmaiying (动脉影) is a cultural artifact and museum photography blogger, who does his job in the finance industry. In the past ten years, he has taken advantage of holidays and business trips to travel to more than 200 museums, taking 470,000 photos. Unlike the official heritage photos released by museums, his photos are clean, quiet, and linear. With the most common photographic equipment, he did not use tripods or flashes, and even used the backs of other visitors to give the photos a background, but he captured the most beautiful angles of the artifacts. Dongmaiying currently has 3.93 million followers on Weibo, and many staff members of famous museums, even curators, are his fans. However, he never shares photos of himself, "It doesn't matter what I look like. I would prefer that more people, through my photography, inspire an interest in traditional Chinese culture and choose to go into museums and have a look at the valuable treasures of Chinese culture." The following is from an interview with Dongmaiying conducted by Yi Tiao reporter Xiao Yue, and is mostly oral I am a cultural artifact and museum photography blogger. From 2012 to now, I have traveled to more than 200…

Hanfu & Traditional Chinese Dress for Kids Hanfu is becoming more and more popular among young people, and traditional clothing has also attracted more attention. And children have always been cute pronouns, but what kind of surprises will there be for children to wear traditional Chinese clothes. This issue brings traditional Chinese dress for kids, so that they can also wear Chinese clothes and feel the power of traditional culture together. What kind of clothes did children wear in ancient China? It is generally believed that children in the history of China do not have their own clothes, and children have been wearing a reduced version of adult clothes, but in fact, but it's not all that. Ancient Chinese Dress for Kids Qiangbao (襁褓, swaddling) The clothing of newborn babies is more common: Qiangbao. Qiangbao was widely used in ancient China from the court down to the people. According to the literature, Qiangbao as an ancient child care product has been widely used as early as the Shang and Zhou dynasties. The term "Qiangbao" was later used to refer to babies under the age of one year. Doudu (兜肚) Doudu, with naked back when wearing, has the function of heat…

What is the oriental dress, clothing? Due to the differences in history, culture, and geographical location, the traditional costumes of different countries in the world are not the same. Even in Asia, the oriental dress clothing of different countries is also colorful. On the continent of Asia, each country has its own unique and proud culture. Different states have different characteristics in their clothes, food, residence, and travel. And clothing is one of the things that can best record and show the cultural changes of a country. There are many kinds of traditional asian clothing, including Hanfu, Qipao, Kimono, Hanbok, Sari, Ao Dai, Chut Thai, Tajik clothing, etc. Today, let's learn about some of the most distinctive and representative traditional oriental dress, clothing.   1. Hanfu / Cheongsam China has a long history and its traditional costumes are constantly changing. From the upper and the lower garments system of the Yellow Emperor era, to the crown and uniform system of the Han Dynasty, to the Zhongshan costume of the Republic of China, it is a miniature of China's social environment in different periods. Cheongsam Hanfu: Hanfu is the general designation of "Han traditional costume", also known as Hanyiguan (汉衣冠), Hanzhuang…