The Use of Nanyang Han Portrait Stones' Mythological Elements in Printmaking Designs
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/sctconf20251275Keywords:
Xuan Feng, Doctoral candidate, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40000,ThailandAbstract
**Introduction**
The Nanyang Han pictorial stones, a significant cultural legacy from the Han Dynasty, are rich in mythological and symbolic content. These pictographs offer a profound insight into ancient Chinese conceptions of life, nature, and the cosmos, depicted through refined lines and vibrant imagery. While these mythological elements are celebrated for their artistic and historical significance, they remain underexplored in modern art, particularly in printmaking design. Printmaking, rooted in Chinese engraving traditions, has evolved as a conduit for cultural expression, blending traditional motifs with contemporary aesthetics. Integrating the mythological components of Han pictographs into modern printmaking offers a pathway to culturally enriched art that resonates with contemporary audiences.
**Methods**
This study analyzed the mythological themes and artistic techniques of Nanyang Han pictorial stones, focusing on their line, surface, and spatial representations. Key visual elements, such as celestial figures, symbolic animals, and mythical beings, were examined for their design potential in modern printmaking. Through comparative analysis, the study explored how traditional motifs align with the structural and aesthetic principles of modern graphic design. Case studies involving reinterpretations of specific pictorial elements were also conducted to demonstrate their integration into contemporary printmaking.
**Results**
The results revealed a strong compatibility between the structural simplicity and symbolic strength of Han pictographs and modern printmaking techniques. Key similarities were identified in the use of lines, dots, and spatial composition, demonstrating the potential of Han pictographs to enrich the visual impact and cultural depth of contemporary print designs. The application of mythological motifs provided an aesthetic that both respects traditional forms and innovates within a modern design framework, offering a means of cultural transmission through visual storytelling.
**Conclusion**
Incorporating the mythological elements of Nanyang Han pictorial stones into modern printmaking design represents a promising strategy for preserving and revitalizing traditional Chinese art. By translating historical symbols and styles into contemporary forms, designers can bridge cultural heritage with modern aesthetics, fostering a deeper cultural resonance and engagement with the art. This study underscores the importance of cultural continuity in art and presents a viable model for integrating traditional mythological themes into modern design practices
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Copyright (c) 2025 Xuan Feng , Nattapong Prompongsaton , Pat Kotchapakdee (Author)
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