A Study on the Historical Evolution and Imagistic Expression of Traditional Chinese Portraiture

Authors

  • Jiang Hu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/skesaj60

Keywords:

Historical Evolution, Imagistic Expression, Unity of Form and Spirit, Sino-Western Integration, Traditional Chinese Portraiture

Abstract

As an important branch of figure painting, traditional Chinese portraiture embodies thousands of years of cultural accumulation and artistic spirit. Taking the historical development of portraiture as the thread, this paper sorts out its developmental trajectory from four dimensions: conceptual scope, typological classification, origin and evolution, and the influence of Western learning. It then delves into the philosophical connotation of imagery in traditional Chinese painting, and analyzes the core characteristics and artistic techniques of imagistic expression in traditional portraiture from four aspects: imagistic modeling, color imagery, spatial imagery, and aesthetic imagery. The research shows that traditional Chinese portraiture has always adhered to the creative tenet of "unity of form and spirit", and has formed a unique system integrating functionality and artistry in the long historical process. Its imagistic expression is not only rooted in the philosophical thoughts of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, but also constantly innovated through the collision and integration with Western painting, demonstrating distinctive national cultural characteristics and eternal artistic value.

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Published

31-12-2025

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Articles