The difference between sublimity and elegance, rigidity and softness in China's traditional aesthetics

First, the beauty of "neutralization" embodied in ancient words

Neutralization, also called harmony, is the condensation of China's ancient cultural spirit. Chinese ancestors regarded themselves as a whole with heaven and earth, and sought survival and happiness in the combination of heaven and earth, which gave birth to the simple concept of taking harmony as beauty, and Confucianism also derived the idea of neutralization.

Second, the beauty of "combining rigidity with softness" in the old saying.

"Masculinity" and "femininity" are two important categories in China's classical aesthetics. They are used to describe the classification and artistic style of beauty, which is equivalent to sublimity and beauty. In the Han Dynasty, Yang Xiong associated masculinity and femininity with the beauty of literature, which indicated that masculinity and femininity entered the aesthetic field. On the basis of summarizing predecessors' experience, Yao Nai systematically discussed the aesthetic categories of masculinity and femininity, and dialectically discussed their relationship. "Masculinity" refers to the characteristics of doing things resolutely and with inspiring power. In other words, it is characterized by the beauty of strength, unrestrained feelings, boldness of vision, broad realm, vigorous and beautiful style, bold and powerful language and strength. Femininity in classical poetry means that the works are full of touching charm and aesthetic feeling from content to form, with delicate feelings, lingering feelings, fresh and subtle realm, graceful style, and soft and charming language, which is pleasing to the eye and fascinating to read.

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