The Development of Chinese Aesthetic Thinking

Chinese aesthetic thinking has evolved and developed through a number of periods in ancient times, Tang and Song dynasties, Yuan and Ming dynasties, Qing dynasty, modern times, and contemporary times, as follows:

1. Ancient times

In ancient China, aesthetic thinking was mainly centered on the aesthetic concepts of the literati and scholars. Poetry, music, painting and calligraphy were considered important ways to express emotions and understand nature. Ancient literati pursued naturalness, simplicity and intrinsic beauty, and sought to live in harmony with heaven and earth.

2. Tang and Song Dynasties

In the Tang and Song Dynasties, poetry and literature entered a period of prosperity, and the study of aesthetics became one of the most important subjects for the literati, who put forward a series of theories of aesthetics, such as Ouyang Xiu's "Theory of Elegance and Integrity" in the Song Dynasty. At this time, Chinese aesthetic thought was further improved and systematized.

3, Yuan and Ming

In the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, a series of theories on theater aesthetics. The development of southern opera made theater aesthetics an important field of study. Chen Li, Ma Zhiyuan, and Li Shizhong put forward a series of theories on theatrical creation, performance, and criticism, which had a profound impact on Chinese culture and aesthetics.

4. Qing Dynasty

The aesthetic thought of the Qing Dynasty was mainly focused on the aesthetic concepts and cultural traditions of the literati. The literati of the Qing Dynasty advocated that poetry and literature should return to a pristine and natural mode of expression, emphasizing the sincerity and depth of emotion and thought.

5. Modern Times

Entering the modern era, Chinese aesthetic thought began to be influenced by Western modernization trends. At the beginning of the 20th century, a number of scholars aiming at the translation and introduction of Western aesthetic ideas appeared in China, and they introduced Western aesthetic ideas into China. These ideas had a positive impact on the development of modern aesthetics in China.

6. Contemporary

In the contemporary era, Chinese aesthetics has entered a period of pluralism and openness. With the influence of globalization and the influx of cultural pluralism, the scope of research in Chinese aesthetics is expanding. In contemporary times, many scholars have emerged in Chinese aesthetics who have explored new aesthetic categories and issues, such as the aesthetic value of contemporary art and the impact of cultural pluralism on aesthetics.