Exemplification of Prehistoric Aesthetic Consciousness
摘要
This chapter explores the aesthetic consciousness of prehistoric Chinese societies through materialized exemplifications, such as artifacts from the Hemudu and Yangshao cultures. Hemudu artifacts, including bone flutes, bird-shaped engravings, and butterfly-shaped ivory objects, reflect early artistic endeavors alongside the emergence of agricultural aesthetics tied to rice farming. The people’s reverence for birds symbolized early ancestor worship and ritualistic traditions. Additionally, the chapter examines Yangshao’s painted pottery, which marked the awakening of artistic consciousness, characterized by auspicious patterns like flowers and fish. Through these examples, the chapter showcases the intertwining of utility and beauty, suggesting that early Chinese societies sought to express their cultural identity, spirituality, and aesthetic philosophy through creative practices.