Application of the Traditional Chinese Five-Color View to the Color Patterns in Ming Dynasty Temple Murals

บทคัดย่อ

       The traditional Chinese concept of five colors is an integral part of China's cultural and artistic heritage. Rooted in ancient philosophical reflections on the laws of nature and the operation of the universe, the five-color concept embodies the ancients' profound understanding of the world and their construction of a cultural system.

This study examines the link between the five traditional Chinese colors and the five directions, a relationship that has long guided the use of color in Chinese mural art. Focusing on Ming Dynasty temple murals, the research explores how this philosophical system is reflected in color choices, revealing themes of harmony, balance, and order. Qualitative methods—including literature reviews, comparative studies, and case analyses—were used to explore the connection among the five elements, directions, and colors, as well as their artistic application. Quantitative methods, such as experiments and data analysis, further assessed how five-color schemes influence visual perception, emotional impact, and cultural symbolism. The findings show that Ming murals developed a complex color framework rooted in philosophical and cosmological ideas, which enhanced both spiritual meaning and aesthetic expression. These murals not only convey religious content but also mirror cultural ideals and visual standards of the time. This research highlights the importance of traditional color theory in mural art, examining its philosophical basis, artistic techniques, and broader cultural meaning. It also considers how these traditional principles still motivate and inform contemporary artistic practices.