Design
May 4, 2008

Images of Chinese Culture



In the article "Hot color and background trends for 2008" we started a conversation about what is coming in 2008 in terms of design themes, colors, and backgrounds. The 2008 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, were awarded to Beijing. Interest in this global event could spark a trend in:
  • Reds and yellows, traditional Chinese colors.
  • Chinese motifs that include the dragon, pine trees, tall jagged mountains and birds such as the crane.
  • Floral motifs with peonies and chrysanthemums.
  • Chinese calligraphy.
Looking forward to this event we will begin to publish several new "Chinese theme" selections of images.

Chinese flag
Chinese flag
A red field, with a large yellow star at the canton, with four smaller stars to the right. This flag is flown in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.

Chinese flag - illustrations

Red and yellow abstract backgrounds- may be used for general design purposes.
Abstract background
Red and yellow abstract backgrounds
Great Wall of China
Great Wall Of China
The Great Wall of China, one of the 7 greatest wonders of the world, has long been incorporated into Chinese mythology and popular symbolism.

Great Wall Of China -- Pictures of the Great Wall of China including large panoramic views of the Great Wall and the mountains beyond.
Chinese Dragon
Chinese Dragon
A five-toed Chinese dragon is the Imperial dragon, a four-toed dragon is the protector of the commoner.
"The Celestial Chinese Dragon is comparable as the symbol of the Chinese race itself. Chinese around the world, proudly proclaim themselves "Lung Tik Chuan Ren" (Descendents of the Dragon). Dragons are referred to as the divine mythical creature that brings with it ultimate abundance, prosperity and good fortune. The Chinese Dragon, or Lung , symbolizes power and excellence, valiancy and boldness, heroism and perseverance, nobility and divinity, that¡¯s why in most Mandarin garment making appears so frequently the dragon motives." Source: www.chinesemoods.com
White chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum
Peonies and chrysanthemums ARE a classic Chinese motif. Chrysanthemums were cultivated in China as a flowering herb as far back as the 15th century BC. Peonies symbolize wealth, the chrysanthemum is use to symbolize splendor.

Colorful chrysanthemums -- spring mums in bloom
Peony flowers -- Pale pink, white and red peony flowers.
Bouquet of peonies
Peony flowers
Chinese Script on Ancient Rice Paper
Chinese Calligraphy

Chinese calligraphy also may adorn your design.  It adds a rich, exotic flavor to Asian themes. 

Chinese Calligraphy -- Chinese scripts on ancient rice paper, pictures of Chinese words.

Chinese Garden
Chinese Gardens
Garden design was and is an art in China.

Chinese Gardens -- Scenes with pagoda-style roofs, decorative rocks, pond and offshooting streams.

The lotus to symbolizes purity, and since lotus leaves protect the goldfish under them, the lotus also symbolizes abundance year after year.

Lotus Flower -- Water lilly (lotus) and lilly pads.
Glowing Water Lily
Waterlily- Lotus Flower

 
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