Seeking: Natural Understanding and Morphological Language of Traditional Decorative Patterns in China

Traditionally, China has always advocated the philosophy of harmony but difference, harmony and common prosperity, and the most vivid expression of this philosophy is the "Tai Chi Diagram"-Yin and Yang fish embrace and contain each other, the inner edges of the two fish fit perfectly, and the outer edges of the two fish are perfect and round (Figure 4). Through this Taiji Diagram, the sages told us a truth: in a unity, whatever is beneficial to each other will be beneficial to the harmony and unity of the whole, and in turn will be beneficial to themselves. This "Taiji Harmony Principle" is widely applicable to individuals, families, nations, countries, even human beings and nature. In the concept of design, we call this form "give and take". It is precisely because of the far-reaching significance of this Tai Chi picture that the United Nations chose the traditional Tai Chi pattern of China as the emblem of the grand event of the World Conference against Racial Discrimination held in South Africa in August and September of 2000/KLOC-0. The designer artistically treated the Tai Chi pattern, adding different levels of gray to the black, white, yin and yang as a transition, symbolizing that people of all countries can learn from each other and live in harmony in this world despite their different races, cultures and regions. This symbol is not only to promote China culture to the world, but more importantly, to spread China's principles of peace and the national spirit of unity and friendship to the world.

The most representative symbol today is the symbol of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. From the Olympic emblem designed when bidding for the Olympic Games to the official emblem of the Olympic Games, China's characteristics have been fully demonstrated and won unanimous praise all over the world. The emblem of the Olympic bid consists of the five Olympic rings, which looks like a "Chinese knot" in China's traditional folk arts and crafts, and also looks like a human figure beating Tai Ji Chuan. The "Chinese knot" symbolizes good luck and embodies the spirit of unity of everyone in China. Tai Ji Chuan is the quintessence of China. The whole design is smooth, harmonious, vivid and dynamic, which symbolizes the profound meaning of people's unity, cooperation, exchange and development in the world and creating the new century hand in hand. (Figure 5)

The official logo is better. The logo, named "Chinese Seal Dancing Beijing", combines China's traditional seal, calligraphy and other artistic forms with sports characteristics, and conveys and represents three meanings: First, the Chinese character seal of China's traditional culture is used as the main pattern expression form of the logo, and the traditional color of China-red is used as the benchmark color of the theme pattern, which embodies the characteristics of China culture, represents the nation and the country, and represents joy and peace. Secondly, the main part of the work is shaped like the word "respect" and "people" dancing with open arms, which fully embodies ancient and modern China and conveys friendliness, sincerity and enthusiasm. Thirdly, the work is cleverly transformed into a human figure running forward and welcoming victory, which fully embodies the Olympic purpose of being faster, higher and stronger, emphasizes the athlete-oriented, healthy and progressive spirit, and is full of movement and vitality. This symbol fully expresses China culture and Olympic spirit. Jacques rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee, also praised it, saying that it "not only shows the historical and cultural heritage of China, but also conveys the youth and vigor of a great country with a bright future". (Figure 6)

In fact, there are many such designs, such as the ancient China knife-shaped coins used in the logo of the People's Bank of China (Figure 7); The logo of Dragonair (Figure 8) is well known and loved by people. It is a symbol of the dragon full of vitality and prosperity. Only in the narrow space of logo design can we appreciate the great creativity brought by traditional culture, not to mention countless examples in other modern cultural and artistic fields. Therefore, tradition does not mean obsolescence, and traditional culture will not shine like sunset. The key lies in how to bring forth the old and bring forth the new, make the past serve the present and carry forward it. We can't just "protect" China traditional culture as a historical relic, let alone treat it as a shoe for fear of throwing it away. What we need is to carry forward the traditional culture of China. In order to achieve this goal, I think every worker engaged in art design should do his best to shoulder this responsibility.