The Charm of Ruqun: Beauty Through Time
The Charm of Ruqun: Beauty Through Time
Ruqun, as one of the treasures of traditional Chinese clothing, has endured the baptism of years and still exudes unique charm. With its beautiful lines, exquisite craftsmanship, and rich cultural connotations, it has become an important representative of ancient Chinese clothing culture.
The Historical Evolution of Ruqun
- Pre-Qin Period
In the pre-Qin period, Ruqun had already appeared. At that time, ruqun was relatively simple. The upper garment was short, and the lower skirt was long and loose. The materials were mostly natural fibers such as hemp and kudzu, and the colors were mainly plain. During this period, ruqun was mainly used as daily clothing to facilitate people's work and life.
Qin and Han Dynasties
During the Qin and Han Dynasties, ruqun was further developed. The upper garment gradually became longer, and the lower skirt became wider, forming a dignified and elegant style. In terms of materials, silk began to be widely used, making ruqun more magnificent. At the same time, ruqun in the Qin and Han Dynasties was also more particular about decoration. Embroidery, painting, and other crafts were often used to add artistic value to clothing.
Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties
During the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties, society was in turmoil and ethnic integration took place. Ruqun also underwent some changes during this period. The upper garment became looser, and the lower skirt became more elegant. In terms of color, ruqun was more bright and lively, reflecting people's pursuit of freedom and unrestrained lifestyle at that time. In addition, Ruqun in this period was also influenced by ethnic minority clothing, and some new styles and decorations appeared.
Sui and Tang Dynasties
The Sui and Tang Dynasties were the peak periods of Ruqun's development. During this period, there were many styles of ruqun, with gorgeous colors and exquisite craftsmanship. The upper garment became shorter and more fitted, and the lower skirt became wider and more magnificent. Multi-layered skirt designs were often used to show the graceful posture of women. In terms of decoration, ruqun in the Sui and Tang Dynasties often used gold and silver thread embroidery, pearl and jade inlay, and other crafts to make the clothing more dazzling.
Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties
During the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, ruqun was gradually replaced by other clothing, but on some special occasions, such as weddings and sacrifices, ruqun was still worn by people. During this period, Ruqun was more conservative in style and more elegant in color. At the same time, with the changes of the times, the production process of ruqun was gradually lost, making the inheritance of ruqun face certain difficulties.
The Matching Styles of Ruqun in Different Periods
Qin and Han Dynasties
The matching style of ruqun in the Qin and Han Dynasties was mainly dignified and elegant. Women usually combed their hair into high buns and wore gorgeous hair accessories such as hair ornaments and flower hairpins. In terms of accessories, jade pendants and jade rings were also common matches. Shoes were mainly high-heeled shoes, showing the noble temperament of women.
Wei, Jin, and the Southern and Northern Dynasties
The matching style of ruqun in the Wei, Jin, Southern, and Northern Dynasties was more fresh and natural. Women's hairstyles were mostly simple buns, and they wore simple and elegant hair accessories such as wooden hairpins and ribbons. In terms of accessories, sachets and jade pendants were also good choices. Shoes were mainly flat shoes, reflecting women's free and unrestrained nature.
Sui and Tang Dynasties
The matching style of ruqun in the Sui and Tang Dynasties was magnificent and wealthy. Women's hairstyles were more diverse, including high buns, low buns, double buns, etc., and they wore various exquisite hair accessories such as gold hairpins and flower ornaments. In terms of accessories, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc. were also essential. Shoes were mainly embroidered shoes, showing the elegant charm of women.
Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties
The matching style of ruqun in the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties was more conservative and elegant. Women's hairstyles were mostly coiled hair, and they wore simple hair accessories such as hairpins and earrings. In terms of accessories, bracelets and rings were also common matches. Shoes were mainly cloth shoes, reflecting women's dignity and stability.
The Modern Significance of Ruqun
As an important part of traditional Chinese clothing, ruqun has important historical, cultural, and artistic values. In modern society, the inheritance and development of ruqun is of great significance for promoting traditional Chinese culture and enhancing national self-confidence and pride.
At the same time, the beautiful lines and exquisite craftsmanship of ruqun also provide rich inspiration and materials for modern fashion design. Many modern designers incorporate the elements of ruqun into modern fashion design, creating many fashionable works with Chinese characteristics and showing the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture.
In addition, wearing ruqun can also let people better understand ancient Chinese culture and lifestyle. By wearing ruqun, people can feel the elegance and beauty of ancient women and experience the profoundness of ancient culture.
In short, as one of the treasures of traditional Chinese clothing, ruqun has a long history and rich cultural connotations. In modern society, we should strengthen the research and protection of ruqun, inherit and promote excellent traditional Chinese culture, and let this ancient clothing shine with new brilliance in modern society.