Sustainable Inheritance of Chinese Architectural Decorative Heritage: An Investigation on the Design Characteristics Huizhou Baofujin Architectural Color Painting
Keywords:
Sustainable Inheritance; Chinese Architecture; Decorative Heritage; Huizhou Architecture; Baofujin Color PaintingAbstract
Huizhou’s traditional architectural Baofujin color painting is an important cultural heritage in China. However, studies on inheriting and understanding its content are limited, posing the risk of losing this architectural decorative art from a historical perspective. This study uses qualitative research methods (field observation, semi-structured interviews) to explore the artistic design features of Huizhou’s Baofujin color paintings (i.e., artisanry process, artistic themes, and composition form) to sustainably inherit and promote this ancient architectural decorative art. The results of a field survey, interviews, and observational research reveal that the artisanry of Baofujin color paintings follows a systematic nine-step process. Artistic themes are categorized into five types, with each constituting diverse artistic elements that indicate meaningful inferences and symbolize people’s aspirations for a better life. The composition of the Baofujin color painting is divided into segmented and central forms, revealing the increasing influence of the official architectural-style paintings on the folk style, thereby reflecting the alleviation of feudal rulers’ control over the people. This study provides insight into the conservation and restoration of traditional architectural color paintings in Huizhou and highlights the rich aspects of cultural heritage protection that have tangible effects on the inheritance and development of Baofujin color paintings, to aid in promoting the sustainable development of cultural heritage.
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