Chapter I
Introduction
Chapter â…Ą
Etiqutte Analysis
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Chinese Style 1 An Overview of Chinese Interior Decorating Style Chinese traditional interior decorating design more often than not uses post-modern design methods to show the traditional structure by another symbol of national characteristics with the help of redesigning and rearranging the structure. To Chinese interior design, technical ability and
cultural awareness are equally essential. This means knowledge of Chinese traditional culture, history, arts, classical architecture, Confucianism, painting, calligraphy, landscape architecture, and geomancy. Chinese style, when done well, is genuinely profound.
1) Furniture Traditional Chinese furniture particularly emphasises symmetry, values harmony and makes use of rare and precious hardwood like Huang rosewood of Hainan Province, rosewood, eaglewood. Most of the patterns are dragons, phoenixes, tortoises, lions and so on; with special stress on engraving, the furniture has the ownership of artistic value, health benefits and collectible value.
Part I
Vogue Flavor
Modern Chinese furniture has abandoned the complicated carved patterns and designs of traditional Chinese furniture and simplified them as much as possible, but it still reserves the artistic conceptions and spiritual symbols of traditional Chinese furniture, which are more suitable for modern aesthetic tastes and spiritual pursuits. In interior decoration environment, antiques, calligraphy, paintings and ceramics are usually used as ornaments for Chinese modern furniture.
traditional Chinese chair
new Chinese chair
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2) Ornaments
4) Lamps
Chinese traditional interior decoration includes calligraphy, paintings, plaques, ceramics, antiques, screens and antique shelves and pursues self-cultivating state of living; advocating natural tastes, elaborately carving flowers, birds, fish and insects in detail, they are varied and reflect Chinese traditional aesthetic spirits.
The models of Chinese lamps also strive for symmetry and color contrast, and most of their patterns are Chinese elements underlining the charm of classical and traditional culture. Made of hollowed-out or carved wood, they appear to be tranquil and pristine. Ceramic lamps are paragons of Chinese lamps, because for thousands of years, china itself come to present Chinese culture and taste.
3) Fabrics
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2 Chinese Interior Decorating Etiquette 1) Tea Culture Features Dating back to ancient times, Chinese tea culture is extensive, profound and varied. The pre-Qin period Book of Songs recorded the origins and early history of tea. During the Han Dynasty, tea had become the specialized tonic for “meditation” in Buddhism. During the Tang Dynasty, the tea industry flourished, and then teahouses, tea banquets and tea parties showed their appearance, people at that time promoted to serve tea to guests. During the Qing Dynasty, Chinese folk and art forms entered into teahouses, and tea became a product for export.
A mural on a Liao Dynasty tomb in Chifeng City of Inner Mongolia —The Tea Ceremony Picture
Chinese paintings — screen paintings
Chinese-style cloth mostly selects and uses such fabrics as silk, satin and yarn, which are noble and elegant, natural and dynamic, with strong hierarchical effects. Based on the elements of Chinese national features, for instance plants and animals with good implications, the patterns are refined to become “Chinese traditional marks”.
the Yuan Dynasty blue and white bottle shaped lamp with lion ears
As trade developed and urban culture formed, tea culture came into being. Historically, tea culture paid attention to the ideology of culture, gave priority to elegance, and emphasized the expression of poetry, painting, calligraphy and the appreciation of tea, songs and dance. During the process of formation and development, tea culture merged the philosophical thoughts of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism, and evolved into etiquette and custom of different nations, and finally became a component of the outstanding traditional culture and a unique cultural mode. When drinking tea, the Chinese people placed much significance on the act of “savoring”. Generally consisting of construction, gardens, furnishings and tea set, the environment of savoring tea should be quiet, fresh, comfortable and clean.
The model of this back cushion derives from ancient copper coins and also indicates the Chinese concept of “enclosure”.
In the pattern of this carpet, there are pines and cranes that imply longevity and auspiciousness.
China is a country with a time-honored civilization and a land of ceremony and decorum. Whenever guests come, etiquette is essential when serving tea. Chinese tea culture mainly refers to the embodiment of tea in spiritual culture. Its scope is much wider than “tea customs” and “tea ceremony”, and it also distinguishes Chinese tea culture from its Japanese and European equivalents.
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Traditional Chinese baskets of gift cakes are mainly made of wood or bamboo to avoid polluting food. They are very light and exquisite, especially those made manually with bamboo which is highly decorative. In general, a basket can be divided into three levels, and each level
has several sections for food or desserts of different kinds. In Europe, people often take gifts such as chocolate and wine when visiting other people’s houses. These gifts are often wrapped up as in the picture.
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3) Clothing Culture Features Clothes can teach us a lot about a culture. With a long history, ranging from primitive society to the Shang (1600 B.C — 1100 B.C) and Zhou (770 B.C — 256 B.C.) dynasties and then to modern times, Chinese clothing has always grabbed the world’s attention for its distinctive features. Traditional Chinese folktales have played a significant role in its development. For example, Chinese emperors in ancient times all compared themselves to a “dragon” and called themselves a “Grand Dragon King”, and the
twelve patterns on the clothes of the emperors were all from the folktales. As a traditional garment that has been passed down by the Han Nationality for over 4,000 years, Hanfu can best reflect that features and beliefs of the nationality, and it is an indispensable part of Chinese ritual culture. All features of Hanfu bear a close relationship to The Four Books and The Five Classics, The Twenty-Four Histories and Confucian Classics. For their wisdom and faith, the Han people have created the colorful culture of Hanfu.
Application Neoclassicism combines European packing box and ribbon with Chinese basket culture. It has a decorative effect and serves as a container. Neoclassicism keeps a balance between Chinese and western cultures. Designers can replace traditional materials like wood or bamboo with modern ones, simplify its appearance and display it as an innovative artistic handicraft in interior decoration. Given its similar function to that of a container, it can be used as a dessert case. Moreover, needles and thread or the cosmetics of the hostess can be stored in it. And it can also serve as a clothing basket or a basket toiletries. Today, the book baskets frequently seen in the studies of European families and the new Chinese baskets
share many similarities in form and function. Baskets are often used as ornaments and play a significant role in interior decorating.
the clothing of Han Dynasty (202 B.C. – 220 A.D.)
Western clothing also has a rich heritage. Western cultures originated in ancient Greece and Rome, so wester n clothing has been influenced by both. The clothes of ancient Greece are healthy and simple. In the Middle Ages (476 - 1453), the developed dyeing and weaving industry of the Byzantine Empire and the introduction of Chinese silk contributed to the Western clothing culture. From the 12th to 15th centuries, Gothic art appeared in Europe. The
clothes in this period are elaborate and varied. There were also many kinds of decorative hats for women during the period. Furthermore, pointed shoes are another typical feature of Gothic clothing. As an essential style in the history of western art, Baroque had great influence on the clothes, which was mainly found in the men’s clothes. Despite bearing ornaments we would now consider effeminate, these clothes were a sign of male robustness.
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In the 17th century, more ornaments were added to the clothes for men. Meanwhile, wigs became widely popular, further feminizing men’s fashion. Based on Baroque clothing, Rococo clothing further represented the social changes of its time.
Application
Flower-patterned designs mainly made of lace and embroidery were often used in traditional European clothes, and these elements have now been adopted by modern designers in bedclothes, cloth art, desk lamps and ornaments.
European dresses have undergone changes in length over the centuries. Like in China, ceremonial gowns are now only worn on special occasions. But in both cultures, some ancient elements have come back into fashion.
Traditional Chinese clothes have deep cultural value. Over time, western and Chinese fashion have influenced each other. (Attention) It is advised that faces in the following pictures be mosaic.
Christian Dior - blue and white porcelain elements
LOUIS VUITTON - traditional chinese clothes and folded fans
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Details about the Layout of the Dinning Table. The purple , along with the crystal pendant lamp and candlesticks also contribute to the neoclassical feel. The flower on the sideboard is orchid.
The dining hall centers around a leather table and several leather chairs of a hydraulic form. On the table are candlesticks and tableware made of stainless steel, which suggest modernity. The marble walls make the space seem broader while keeping it deep and luxurious. Because the sitting room and the dining room are linked, the designs of the chairs are matched. In this smaller space, crystal materials are used for lighting, and the rectangle-shaped light echo well with the table. Compared with the crystal light in the sitting room, the one in the dinning room is more distinctive. Meanwhile, the two lights are made of the same material.
In a medium-sized study, priority should be given to creating a neat and practical desk.
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A bedroom is expected to be more than just functional. At night, when the candles are lit You can feel as if you are outside. The bed can transform into a couch, and there is a beverage holder at the end. This multifunctional guestroom is suitable for reading as well as for a party, and each function can be highlighted through changes in the interior ornaments.
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Fengshui Analysis Lighting
The Lamp
The Kitchen
Not every single unit in the house requires much lighting. For every unit, mildness, strength and color of the light should be particularly considered based upon its location.
Fashionable and modern lamps are generally complicated. Because of the heat and the material they use, such lamps are easy to catch indiscernible dust and create negative magnetic field. If used, there should be regular and frequent cleaning works.
The kitchen usually houses a large quantity of foodstuff and condiment for its original purpose, therefore particular measures must be taken to avoid possible unpleasant smell.
The Bedside Cupboard
The Showcase
Materials of the Ornament
Apart from supporting lights, bedside cupboards should not be considered merely ornaments. Since they are near the human brain, they should be specially dealt with based upon the owner's particular needs.
Showcases are usually placed at conspicuous places in the house. Since they exert considerable influence on the mind of the people, sundries must be avoided, while articles with positive meanings could be displayed.
Crystal ornaments are nice and pleasant. But their multi-façades surfaces will also cause irregular light scattering. Owners must be cautious if using them, especially in the bedroom.