Lantern Design With Balance and Unity: Inspiration From the Chinese Ming Dynasty Table

Abstract

Th e Ming dynasty is considered one of the golden ages of China. During this time period, most of the Great Wall was built and the Forbidden City in Beijing was constructed. Wooden furniture, also known as classic Chinese furniture, is one form of art from this dynasty (Handler, 2001). With its harmonious simplicity of form and successful use of balance and unity, Ming dynasty furniture refl ects the ancient philosophies of Confucianism and Daoism. Hence, Ming dynasty tables are good examples to use when introducing the concepts of balance and unity with the principles of design to high school students. We named the lesson Lantern Design With Balance and Unity. Confucianism and Daoism: An Ideological Integration as Refl ected in Ming Dynasty Furniture Th e design of the Ming dynasty furniture refl ects the philosophies of Confucianism and Daoism. Confucian thought states that when things are in symmetry and balance, they represent a neutralization of thought (Wei & Xu, 2018, p. 32). Straight lines accompanied by curved lines show variation and present a unifi ed arrangement. Ming dynasty carpenters and patrons created and appreciated this unifi ed arrangement because this unifi ed arrangement of various lines draws parallels with the Confucian idea of harmony. Inspiration From the Chinese Ming Dynasty Table