Open AccessQipao: The Carrier of Chinese Cultural and Philosophical Symbols
Author(s) -
Cheng Fung Kei
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
iafor journal of arts and humanities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2187-0616
DOI - 10.22492/ijah.8.1.09
Subject(s) - harmony (color) , happiness , filial piety , aesthetics , luck , chinese culture , ethnic group , symbol (formal) , cultural identity , politeness , knot (papermaking) , china , sociology , psychology , social psychology , gender studies , art , philosophy , political science , linguistics , anthropology , epistemology , visual arts , law , engineering , feeling , chemical engineering
The qipao has become the symbol of identity for Chinese women. It is a tight-fitting dress with a standing collar, an asymmetric left-over-right opening and two-side slits. Chinese knot buttons are also an essential part of the qipao. While the garment serves to express Chinese values and has philosophical connotations, its colour, fabric pattern and Chinese knot buttons express wishes for happiness, luck, fortune, longevity as well as a yearning for peaceful interpersonal relationships and harmony with nature. The qipao was developed not only from a traditional gown used by the Han (the majority Chinese ethnic group), but also integrated minority cultural elements and has recently added Western sartorial patterns. This has resulted in a national dress that is more harmonious with contemporary aesthetics, manifesting the adaptability, versatility and inclusiveness of Chinese culture.