Song and Yuan Operas Integrated into Paintings Exploration from Ci Zhou Kiln White Black Decorative Patterns

Abstract

The Song and Yuan periods marked an era of mutual integration of theatrical art and folk craftsmanship. As a representative of northern folk-kiln artistry, the white-ground black decoration of Ci Zhou Ware uniquely immortalized theatrical scenes on utilitarian ceramic vessels through its distinctive black-and-white visual language. Taking white-ground black decoration of Ci Zhou Ware as the object of research, this study employs methodologies of documentary investigation and visual analysis. It delves into the socio-cultural impetus behind this phenomenon, investigates the typology and visual narratives of theatrical imagery, and offers an interpretation of the aesthetic in the decorative portrayal of theatrical figures. Ultimately, the paper aims to illuminate the underlying cultural logic of the pictorialize of theatrical performance during this historical epoch.