14 3+.Lin+Yanping+Final+Manuscript
14 3+.Lin+Yanping+Final+Manuscript
Abstract: This study explores innovative application methods of traditional circular dragon patterns in
modern clothing design by analyzing the characteristics and evolution of circular dragon patterns in the
Ming Dynasty Emperor's dragon robe in depth. The observational method was used to record and analyze
the details of the circular dragon patterns on the Ming Dynasty dragon robe, summarizing the stylistic
changes and evolution over different periods. Based on this, innovative design experiments were
conducted, integrating modern design elements and various techniques to create designs that preserve
traditional cultural connotations while meeting modern aesthetic standards. By simplifying, reorganizing,
and transforming traditional circular dragon patterns, the study proposes multiple innovative design
methods and demonstrates their specific applications in modern clothing. The results indicate that the
combination of traditional circular dragon patterns with modern design elements and techniques not only
preserves and promotes traditional culture but also infuses new vitality and creativity into modern clothing
design. This study provides valuable references for the application of traditional patterns in modern
clothing design, contributing to the transmission and innovation of Chinese traditional culture.
Keywords: Circular dragon patterns, stylistic changes, innovative design, application.
Received: 24 May 2024 Revised: 30 June 2024 Accepted: 10 July 2024
1. Introduction
As an important carrier of Chinese traditional culture, Hanfu has attracted widespread attention and love
in China and overseas in recent years [1]. Among the most representative patterns in Hanfu is the circular
dragon pattern on the Ming Dynasty emperor's dragon robe, which not only has profound cultural
connotations and symbolic significance but also showcases the superb craftsmanship and artistry of
ancient craftsmen [2]. However, with the development of the times, how to integrate this traditional
cultural essence into modern design while preserving it has become an important issue for designers.
Researching and innovating these traditional patterns is of great significance for inheriting Chinese culture
and enhancing cultural identity [3]. This study conducts an in-depth analysis of the characteristics and
evolution of the circular dragon pattern on the Ming Dynasty emperor's dragon robe and explores
innovative application methods of traditional circular dragon patterns in modern clothing design. By
employing modern design techniques and diversified changes, this study gives traditional patterns new
visual effects and a sense of fashion. This integration not only enriches the language of modern fashion
design but also enhances the adaptability and appeal of traditional elements in contemporary design,
thereby increasing the visual impact and market acceptance of the patterns [4].
By retaining the core elements of traditional circular dragon patterns, modern design can inherit and
promote traditional culture, which is significant for protecting and promoting cultural heritage. Innovative
designs enable traditional cultural elements to be accepted and appreciated in a broader market, thus
promoting the development of the cultural industry [5]. This study demonstrates methods of combining
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traditional elements with modern design, providing new ideas for future design and inspiring more
innovative creativity.
2. Literature Review
2.1 Historical Background of Ming Dynasty Dragon Robe
As the ceremonial dress of the emperor, the Ming Dynasty dragon robe is an important component of
ancient Chinese clothing culture. Made of silk, the dragon robe predominantly features yellow, which
symbolizes authority and nobility in traditional Chinese culture [6]. The dragon robe is richly adorned with
a variety of motifs, including the five-clawed circular dragon and the twelve symbols, either woven or
embroidered onto the garment, showcasing the high level of craftsmanship of Ming Dynasty artisans. The
design of the dragon robe not only signifies the emperor's supreme status but also reflects the values and
cosmology of Ming society [4].
3. Methodology
3.1 Characteristics and Evolution of the Seated Circular Dragon Pattern
The seated circular dragon pattern features the dragon head facing the observer, with the dragon's body
intertwining with clouds, forming an "S" shaped coiled posture. The dragon's tail is cleverly balanced,
presenting a symmetrical and harmonious stance with the dragon's head [11]. The dragon's head is
detailed, robust, and powerful, with eyes as bright as copper bells. The dragon claws are spread out,
resembling crab pincers, showcasing their ferocity. The scales are delicately designed, appearing grid-like
or similar to fish scales, enhancing the texture and three-dimensionality of the pattern. The surrounding
cloud and sea wave patterns blend with the dragon's body to form a circular design, usually centering
around a pearl, symbolizing supreme authority and wealth.
The style of the seated circular dragon pattern evolved throughout the Ming Dynasty. In the early Ming
Dynasty, the dragon's body was shorter, and the claws resembled crab pincers, showing a more
straightforward overall design and early exploration of dragon imagery. By the mid-Ming Dynasty, the
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dragon's body length and claw shapes began to standardize, and the cloud and sea wave patterns became
more intricate, indicating improved craftsmanship and matured aesthetics. In the late Ming Dynasty, the
composition of the seated circular dragon pattern became more standardized, with more fluid and graceful
dragon forms and finer cloud patterns, showcasing the cultural prosperity and artistic refinement of the
late Ming era. Overall, the evolution of the seated circular dragon pattern from simplicity to complexity and
then to standardization and refinement reflects the development of Ming Dynasty's clothing art in response
to societal progression and technological advancements.
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Table 1: Seated Circular Dragon Pattern (Drawn by the author)
Ming
Early
Period
Ming
Middle
Period
Ming
Late
Period
4. Discussion
4.1 Symmetrical Circular Dragon Design Experiments and Applications
4.1.1 Design Method Steps
The standard circular dragon pattern features the dragon's head facing the viewer, with the dragon's head
adopting a symmetrical form and its body encircling to form a circular patter [13]. In this experiment, this
symmetrical structure is retained in the innovative design, but the details are simplified and reorganized.
The steps are as follows: First, determine the design shape, including the circular dragon and the circular
structure; second, design the dragon head, placing it at the center of the image; third, design the dragon
body, adding the basic form of the dragon body along the outline of the image, ensuring the body encircles
to form the initial design shape; fourth, add scales and decorations, placing tightly arranged, layered scales
on the dragon body; the scales should coordinate with the curves of the dragon body, and modern
decorative elements should be added around the dragon body and head. As shown in Figure 1.
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decorations. Samples 1 and 2 use geometric methods to express the dragon's structure, presenting a simple
and bright modern style; Sample 3, in addition to geometric expression, also adopts intricate textures,
making the pattern richer and more three-dimensional; Sample 4 showcases the beauty of tradition and
modernity through floral decorative elements and detailed intricacies. Through this method, not only can
dragon patterns that conform to modern aesthetics be designed, but traditional culture can also be
inherited and innovated.
Table 2: Innovative Symmetrical Circular Dragon Designs
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Ensure all parts are coordinated and consistent, making the overall design aesthetically pleasing and
balanced. Make detail adjustments as needed to ensure each element enhances the overall design effect.
Based on the above steps, the following example demonstrates the drawing steps of a right C-shaped
circular dragon in Figure 2.
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Figure 6. Left C-shape
In Figure 7, the right S-shaped circular dragon design simplifies most of the dragon's structure, using
geometric shapes to form an "S." The partially transformed design is applied to the front chest of the
evening dress with sequin embroidery, while the lower hem features floral embroidery, creating a
harmonious effect with the S-shaped circular dragon pattern on the upper body, enhancing the overall
design's coherence. In Figure 8, the left S-shaped circular dragon design combines the dragon body with
realistic floral designs, creating a unique "S" shape pattern. The pattern is identically applied to the front
chest of a T-shirt using hot drilling techniques. In practical applications, this design is suitable for daily
casual wear, perfectly blending traditional elements with modern fashion, possessing cultural connotations
while maintaining trendiness.
Figure 9. 8-shape
In Figure 10, the 9-shaped circular dragon's body structure is weakened, with floral elements replacing
parts of the dragon body. According to the clothing style, the print extends from the shoulder to the front,
retaining the original traditional elements while adding creative extensions. The shoulder pattern design
enhances the overall coherence and coordination, making the garment more visually impactful.
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Figure 10 .9-shaped
In Figure 11, the spiral-shaped circular dragon's body adopts irregular coiling. When applied to a down
jacket, the original pattern is retained while adding a background according to the clothing style. The print
on the front chest is echoed by floral patterns on both sleeves. In Figure 12, the spiral-shaped circular
dragon's body is more concentrated, piled up in a circular pattern, with flowers represented in a realistic
form. The pattern retains the original print on the back of the jacket, while creatively applying it to the hat,
sleeve roots, and cuffs according to the pattern. This design achieves a balanced visual effect.
5. Conclusions
Through in-depth analysis of the stylistic characteristics and evolution of circular dragon patterns in the
Ming Dynasty emperor's dragon robe, this study proposed various innovative design methods and
successfully applied them to modern clothing design [15]. The results show that the combination of
traditional circular dragon patterns and modern design elements can not only inherit and promote
traditional culture but also endow clothing with new fashion vitality. The main conclusions of this study
are as follows:
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5.2 Pattern Applications
5.2.1 Application Methods
In pattern applications, this study primarily used two methods: direct application of the original pattern
and deformation application based on clothing styles [17]. The direct application retains the complete form
of the circular dragon pattern, presenting the essence of traditional culture on the garment; deformation
application based on clothing styles involves adjusting and simplifying the pattern to better meet modern
aesthetic requirements. For example, in Figure 7, the S-shaped dragon pattern, through geometric
deformation and the combination of sequin embroidery, is applied to the front chest of the evening dress,
making the design both simple and modern. Additionally, in Figure 8, the S-shaped dragon pattern
combined with realistic floral designs is applied to the front chest of a T-shirt using hot drilling techniques,
adding a three-dimensional effect and fashionable luster.
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patterns and abstract motifs). For example, the dragon head in the O-shaped structure can be positioned
on the left or right side, enhancing the pattern's flexibility and dynamic beauty. Additionally, traditional
dragon mane in the design is combined with modern elements (such as feathers and flowers), making the
dragon pattern more decorative and fashionable. This design strategy not only enhances the visual impact
of the pattern but also increases its acceptance and appeal in the modern fashion market.
By preserving the core elements of traditional circular dragon patterns, modern design can inherit and
promote traditional culture, which is significant for protecting and promoting cultural heritage. Modern
design techniques and diversified changes make traditional circular dragon patterns radiate new visual
effects and fashion sense. This integration not only enriches the language of modern fashion design but also
enhances the adaptability and appeal of traditional elements in contemporary design, increasing the visual
impact and market acceptance of the patterns. Innovative design allows traditional cultural elements to be
accepted and appreciated in a broader market, promoting the development of the cultural industry. This
study demonstrates the methods of combining traditional elements with modern design, providing new
ideas for future design and inspiring more innovative creativity.
Although this study has made some significant findings, there are still some limitations. The sample
selection and specific application environments of the designs may limit the generalizability of the results.
The study design mainly relies on qualitative visual effect analysis, lacking quantitative data support.
Future research can further explore the application of other traditional patterns in modern design,
especially those cultural elements that have not been fully developed. Additionally, quantitative research
methods can be used to evaluate the acceptance and impact of different designs in the market. Further
research can also consider applying innovative designs to different cultural backgrounds and market
environments to verify their universality and adaptability.
Overall, this study successfully achieved the integration of traditional culture and modern fashion through
innovative designs and diverse applications of traditional circular dragon patterns. These innovative
designs not only enrich the design language of modern clothing but also provide new ideas for the
inheritance and development of traditional culture. Future research can continue to explore and expand
these design methods, promoting the continuous innovation and development of traditional culture in
modern design.
Acknowledgement
This paper was financially supported by the Jiangxi Provincial Social Science Foundation project
(20YS37);
This paper was financially supported by the “14th Five-Year Plan” bidding project of the Jiangxi Institute
of Fashion Technology (JFZB-145-03);
This paper was financially supported by the General Project of Jiangxi Provincial Culture and Art Science
Planning (YG2021107);
This paper was financially supported by the “13th Five-Year Plan” bidding project of the Chinese Institute
of Costume Culture Research (JIFTZB20190104).
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