Lighting and Aesthetics:An Analysis of the Decorative Art of Festival Lantern Landscapes during the Ming and Qing Dynasties
WANG Yan
Abstract：This article aims to explore the decorative artistic characteristics of festival lantern landscapes during the Ming and Qing dynasties,focusing on their dual functions of lighting and visual enjoyment.Ancient Chinese festival lantern displays represent the pinnacle of traditional craftsmanship and artistic expression,distinguishing lantern culture as a unique facet of China's historical lighting culture.Compared to the Sui-Tang and Song-Yuan periods,festival lantern landscapes in the Ming and Qing dynasties exhibited greater diversity in decorative forms.They not only served practical lighting purposes but also incorporated artistic elements,reflecting the dual attributes of illumination and visual enjoyment.By reviewing historical documents and physical artifacts,this article outlines the new developments in festival lantern landscapes during the Ming and Qing periods.It focuses on analyzing the integration of decorative and functional elements in these lantern displays,highlighting their entertainment,practical,and ceremonial aspects.The study emphasizes how lantern viewing,functional lighting,landscape decoration,and ritual celebrations were brought together,embodying both material and spiritual dimensions of design culture.It reveals three core values of decorative artistic lighting in Ming and Qing festival lanterns:cultural heritage,a design approach rooted in humanistic and folk traditions,and the integration of spatial cultural scenes with ceremonial content.
Keywords：lighting and viewingMing and Qing periodsfestival lamp landscapesdecorative art
Publication Date：2025-08-30
Online Publishing Date：2025-09-17(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：13( 52-64 )