Chinese auspicious ornaments in textile and clothing refers to any form of Chinese auspicious ornaments, which are used to decorate various forms of Chinese textile and clothing (including and ), fashion accessories, and footwear in China since the ancient times. Chinese auspicious ornaments form part of Chinese culture and hold symbolic meanings. In ancient China, auspicious ornaments were often either embroidered or woven into textile and clothing. They are also used on religious and ritual clothing (e.g. which is Taoist clothingand Chinese Buddhist clothing) and in , Chinese opera costumes. Auspicious symbols and motifs continue to be used in present day China in industries, such as home textiles and clothing; they are also used in modern design packaging and interior design. Some of these Chinese auspicious ornaments were also culturally appropriated by European countries during the era of Chinoiserie, where they became decorative patterns on fashionable chinoiserie fashion and textiles.
Cultural significance
Chinese auspicious patterns and motifs have profound meanings and are rich in forms; these reflect the desires and yearning of the ancient Chinese to pursue a better life. Chinese auspicious ornaments are typically decorations of Chinese cultural origins which are rooted in Confucianism, Taoism, Chinese Buddhism beliefs, in Chinese mythology and cosmology and concepts, as well from Buddhist visual arts and from the natural flora and fauna in China. Throughout Chinese history, the use of Chinese embroideries on textile, clothing, and footwear also reflected and expressed the subtle changes in aesthetic concepts, cultural traditions, ethics and morals of the Chinese people throughout the millennia.
Usage
Common items
Chinese auspicious symbols and patterns were used on wedding bedding textiles. They were also used to decorate Chinese fragrant sachet (e.g. Qingyang sachet) and Chinese purses ().
Garments and clothing accessories
Clothing and colour in China also played an important role in representing its wearer's identity, rank, and culture. Clothing which were decorated with Chinese dragons and cosmological symbols, rank badges were typically symbol of status of the ruling class in ancient China.
Auspicious set of ornaments
Twelve ornaments
The Twelve ornaments are one of the oldest motifs in China. They originated in the Western Zhou dynasty and was a group of highly auspicious ancient Chinese symbols and designs, signifying authority and power. They were typically embroidered on imperial clothing, and were used as decoration on textile fabrics.
Their use on clothing have been recorded in the Shangshu Yiji; since then, they have continuously been used. The system of clothing patterns was however established in the Han dynasty, where the types and the number of ornaments was regulated based on a person's ranks. In the Sui dynasty, the twelve ornaments were reserved for the Emperor exclusively; Emperor Yang Sui established a system which defined the exact location of these ornaments on the imperial robes. This system continued in the Ming dynasty. The system was changed in the Qing dynasty when the Manchu established their own clothing system. The emperor wore all twelve ornaments on his clothing.
Bagua
Bagua are also used to decorate clothing and textiles, including in . Bagua are believed to be derived from the markings on the back of a tortoise shell after it had been placed on sacrificial fire.
Yin and Yang
Yin and yang are also used to decorate clothing, including and headwear.
Eight treasures
The Eight treasures (八宝 bābǎo) can appear on clothing and textile. These motifs were typically used by Confucianists.
Eight emblems of the Immortals
The eight emblems of the Immortals are typically eight items representing the Eight Immortals and their powers can also appear on clothing and textile. These motifs were typically used by taoists.
Ashtamangala/ Eight Sacred Buddhist Symbols
The Ashtamangala can also appear on clothing, such as the dragon robes of the Qing dynasty. These motifs were typically used by buddhists.
Other sets of ornaments
List natural landscape elements used in textile and clothing
Clouds/ auspicious clouds
Clouds, also referred as auspicious clouds (xiangyun 祥云), are the symbols of good fortune and happiness, as well as a good omen of peace and the symbol of heavens. Clouds designs have been used in artworks as early as the Eastern Zhou dynasty. in the ancient times, auspicious clouds were of associated with deities and good fortune.