THE CULTURAL AESTHETICS OF YANGZHOU WOODBLOCK-PRINTED BOOKS IN THE QING DYNASTY: INSPIRATION FOR THE CONTEMPORARY CREATION

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Yangzhou was one of the cultural and artistic centers during the Qing Dynasty. The woodblock printing skills of Yangzhou are not only a valuable intellectual heritage but also serve as a medium for recording the history, culture, and social life of the region. These works reflect the social structures, traditions, art, and aesthetic tastes of the era, and play a vital role in the history of Chinese printing as an important cultural medium. This research aims to: 1) study representative works of Yangzhou woodblock-printed books from the Qing Dynasty and their cultural aesthetics; 2) explore approaches to drawing inspiration for contemporary artistic creation from traditional culture; and 3) create contemporary installation artworks that integrate traditional cultural elements with modern artistic forms.

Methods: The study employed documentary research, field research, and interdisciplinary research methods to examine the cultural aesthetics found in representative works of Yangzhou woodblock-printed books from the Qing Dynasty and to explore creative pathways that connect traditional culture to contemporary art practices.

Key Findings: The results reveal that Qing Dynasty Yangzhou woodblock-printed books possess distinctive cultural and aesthetic values and play a significant role as a reference for contemporary art creation. The research resulted in the creation of an art series entitled “Light of Impressions”, which demonstrates the potential for integrating traditional artistic elements with modern components. The series presents new perspectives for preserving, transforming, and developing traditional art forms within contemporary society.

Implications of the Study: The study of woodblock printing integrates exceptional craftsmanship and profound cultural heritage with other disciplines. It also explores the relationship between woodblock prints and society, culture, and the environment, as well as their transformations and relevance within different historical and cultural contexts.

Conclusions and Future Study: Future research could further investigate diverse methods of integrating traditional culture with contemporary art, as well as explore additional possibilities for combining traditional cultural elements with modern design concepts.