What is Hanfu Zhi Ju? - Jianxi Hanfu

What is Hanfu Zhi Ju?

Hanfu, as a treasure of traditional Chinese culture, carries thousands of years of history and culture. Among them, the straight-front robe(Zhi Ju)is deeply loved by Hanfu enthusiasts for its simple, elegant, and dignified characteristics. Today, let's step into the world of the straight-front robe and appreciate its unique charm. hereinafter referred to as "Zhi Ju".  Zhi Ju, also known as chanyu, is one of the clothing systems of Chinese civilization. Its history can be traced back to the Qin Empire (770 BC – 221 BC)

1、The Qin Empire of Zhi Ju

In the pre-Qin period, Zhi Ju was mainly used as daily clothing and could be worn by both men and women. Its form was relatively simple, usually with a cross-collar and right lapel, a straight tubular robe with the length reaching the ground. At this time, the materials of Zhi Ju were mostly natural fibers such as hemp and kudzu, and the colors were mainly plain.

2、Qin and Han dynasties of Zhi Ju(221BC-220AD)

During the Qin and Han dynasties, Zhi Ju was further developed. In the Qin Dynasty, after Qin Shihuang unified the six kingdoms, he implemented a series of reforms, including unifying clothing. As a formal ceremonial dress, Zhi Ju was widely used in the court and officialdom. In the Han Dynasty, Zhi Ju became even more fashionable. Not only were nobles and officials fond of wearing it, but ordinary people also followed suit. At this time, the materials of Zhi Ju were more abundant, including high-end fabrics such as silk and brocade, and the colors were also more vivid.

3、Wei, Jin, and the Southern and Northern Dynasties of Zhi Ju(220AD-589AD)

During the Wei, Jin, Southern, and Northern Dynasties, the society was in turmoil and ethnic integration intensified. Zhi Ju also underwent some changes during this period. On the one hand, the form of Zhi Ju became looser and the sleeves were wider, reflecting people's pursuit of freedom and unrestrained lifestyle at that time. On the other hand, the decoration of Zhi Ju was also more abundant, with crafts such as embroidery and painting, making Zhi Ju more beautiful.

4、Sui and Tang dynasties of Zhi Ju(581AD-907AD)

During the Sui and Tang dynasties, the country was prosperous and cultural exchanges were frequent. Zhi Ju was also influenced by foreign cultures during this period and some new changes appeared. For example, the neckline of Zhi Ju became wider and exposed the underwear inside, reflecting people's open mindset at that time. At the same time, the colors of Zhi Ju were also more abundant, with bright colors such as red, green, and blue, making tZhi Ju more colorful.

5、Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties(960AD-1912AD)

During the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, Zhi Ju was gradually replaced by other Chinese traditional clothing, but on some special occasions, such as weddings and sacrifices, Zhi Ju was still worn by people. At this time, the form of Zhi Ju was more conservative, and the colors were also more elegant.

6、Historical allusions and famous people's stories of Zhi Ju

a、Zhuge Liang and 

Zhuge Liang was a famous statesman and strategist in Chinese history. He dedicated his whole life to the country and made great contributions to the prosperity and stability of Shuhan. Zhuge Liang was very fond of Zhi Ju. He often wore Zhi Ju and held a feather fan, devising strategies and winning victories thousands of miles away. It is said that Zhuge Liang's Zhi Ju were all made by his wife Huang Yueying herself. The materials were simple, and the craftsmanship was fine, reflecting Zhuge Liang's integrity and noble character.

b、Li Bai 

Li Bai was a great poet in Chinese history. His poems are bold and unrestrained with profound artistic conception, and he is known as the "Poetic Genius." Li Bai was very fond of Zhi Ju. He often wore Zhi Ju and held a wine cup, traveling to famous mountains and rivers and writing many immortal poems. It is said that Li Bai's Zhi Ju were all designed by himself. The materials were gorgeous, and the craftsmanship was unique, reflecting Li Bai's romanticism and unruly personality.

7、The charm of Zhi Ju

a、Simple and elegant

The form of Zhi Ju is very simple without too much decoration, but it can give people a sense of elegance and dignity. The lines of Zhi Ju are smooth, and the cutting is appropriate, which can well show people's figure and temperament.

b、Cultural connotation

As a kind of Hanfu, Zhi Ju carries rich historical and cultural connotations. It is not only a kind of clothing but also a cultural symbol representing the traditional culture and values of the Chinese nation.

c、Comfortable to wear

The materials of Zhi Ju are usually natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, and silk. These materials are soft and comfortable, with good air permeability and are very comfortable to wear. At the same time, the cutting of Zhi Ju is also very reasonable and can well adapt to human movement and activities.

8、How to choose and match Zhi Ju?

(1) Materials: There are many kinds of materials for Zhi Ju, such as cotton, hemp, silk, brocade, etc. Different materials have different characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, and you can choose according to your own preferences and needs.

(2) Colors: The colors of Zhi Ju are also very rich. You can choose according to your own skin tone, temperament, and occasion. Generally speaking, light-Zhi Ju are relatively fresh and natural, suitable for wearing in summer; dark Zhi Ju are relatively stable and dignified, suitable for wearing in winter.

(3) Styles: There are also many styles of Zhi Ju, such as cross-collar Zhi Ju, front-opening Zhi Ju, curved-front Zhi Ju, etc. Different styles have different characteristics and applicable occasions, and you can choose according to your own preferences and needs.

Matching Zhi Ju

(1) Hairstyle: For the hairstyle of Zhi Ju, you can choose updo, ponytail, loose hair, etc. Different hairstyles can show different temperaments and styles.

(2) Accessories: Accessories for Zhi Ju can be hairpins, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. These accessories can play a role in embellishment and decoration, making Zhi Ju more beautiful.

(3) Shoes: Shoes for Zhi Ju can be cloth shoes, embroidered shoes, boots, etc. Different shoes can show different styles and temperaments.

Conclusion

As a treasure of traditional Chinese culture, Zhi Ju of Hanfu, after thousands of years of historical precipitation, still exudes unique charm. It is not only a kind of clothing but also a cultural symbol representing the traditional culture and values of the Chinese nation. Let's put on Zhi Ju of Hanfu together, feel the charm of traditional Chinese culture, and inherit and carry forward the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation. 

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