Chinese Almanac Calendar

塑绘

Sculpting and painting (塑绘 - Su Hui) is an important form of ancient Chinese traditional art, mainly applied to the creation of statues and murals in religious buildings such as temples and Daoist shrines. The art of sculpting and painting integrates sculpture and painting, reflecting the aesthetic pursuits in traditional Chinese culture while possessing profound historical and cultural value.

I. Definition

"Su" (塑) refers to sculpting, which is using clay, wood, or other materials to create figures of humans or animals; "Hui" (绘) refers to painting and decorating the sculpted forms. The art of sculpting and painting has a long history in China, with primitive works appearing as early as the late Neolithic age. By the Han Dynasty, with the introduction of Buddhism, this art experienced unprecedented development, reaching extremely high levels, especially in Buddhist statues.

II. Development History

• Pre-Qin Period: Early works of sculpting and painting were mostly in the form of pottery figurines and stone carvings, primarily used as burial objects.
• Han Dynasty: Human figure sculptures dominated by clay sculpting began to appear, and color painting techniques gradually developed.
• Wei, Jin, Northern and Southern Dynasties to Sui and Tang Dynasties: This period was the golden age of the development of Chinese sculpting and painting art. The massive number of Buddhist statues and murals in famous grotto temples such as the Yungang Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes, and Maijishan Grottoes are all representative works of this period.
• Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties: Although not as large in scale as the Tang Dynasty, the craftsmanship became finer, and the subjects broader. In addition to religious themes, many works reflecting secular life appeared.

III. Artistic Characteristics

1. Vivid and Lifelike Modeling: Whether human or animal figures, they strive for accurate forms and rich, natural expressions.
2. Bright and Long-lasting Colors: Using mineral pigments for painting, the colors are bright and not easy to fade.
3. Emphasis on Expressing Charm (Shen Yun): Not only pursuing physical resemblance but also emphasizing the conveyance of the mental state of the figures or animals through delicate expressions and postures.
4. Integrating Multiple Techniques: Combining various art forms such as carving, painting, and calligraphy, forming a unique artistic style.

IV. Current Status and Protection

With the changes of the times, traditional sculpting and painting techniques face the risk of being lost. In recent years, the state has increased its efforts to protect intangible cultural heritage. Many historic works of sculpting and painting have been listed as cultural relic protection units, and more and more young people are joining the ranks of learning and inheriting this ancient craft.

In summary, as a shining pearl in the treasure house of ancient Chinese culture, sculpting and painting still hold important research and artistic appreciation value in today's society. By continuously unearthing the cultural connotations behind them, we can not only promote the spread and development of excellent traditional Chinese culture but also provide more inspiration and enlightenment for contemporary artistic creation.