Aesthetics and symbolic meaning of ancient Chinese snowy landscapes from the IV to the XX century.

Abstract

The article examines the aesthetic and symbolic aspects of ancient Chinese snowy landscapes, covering the period from the IV to the XX century. The focus of the research is Guohua painting, representing classic snowy landscapes, compositions with birds and flowers, as well as snow portraits. An in-depth analysis of the symbolism and meaning of elements such as "four seasons", "snow", "snowy mountains", "three friends of cold time" and "cold beasts" was carried out, as well as the narrative characteristics of snowy landscapes were studied. It was revealed that snow scenes reflect the vitality and stability of a person, causing reflections on life difficulties. The work highlights how snowy landscapes have become a means of expressing emotions, reflecting sadness, but also demonstrating strength, well-being, morality and the sublimity of cultural values.  The study uses the methodology of symbolism and iconology analysis to study the aesthetics of ancient Chinese snowy landscapes. A comparative approach is applied to various eras and techniques, including ink painting and engraving, to assess the cultural and emotional meanings of snow in Chinese art. The research touches on a rarely covered topic in the history of art — the aesthetic and symbolic depth of ancient Chinese snowy landscapes, from the IV to the XX century. Introducing into scientific discourse a deep analysis of changes in the perception and image of snow, the work presents a comprehensive study using iconology and semiotics to uncover hidden meanings in Chinese Guohua painting. She reveals how artists have reflected the emotional and philosophical aspects of life through snowy landscapes, demonstrating their influence on cultural representations of nature, man and society. The innovation of the study lies in the fact that it connects the aesthetic elements of snow with cultural and historical changes in China, showing their importance for understanding Chinese identity and aesthetic perception. This study not only enriches the academic understanding of Chinese painting, but also highlights the layering of symbols and metaphors in traditional art, reflecting a unique combination of natural phenomena and cultural meanings.