Bridging heritage and modernity: A comparative study of traditional Chinese and western flower-and-bird paintings

Gao Xue and Musnin Bin Misdih (2025) Bridging heritage and modernity: A comparative study of traditional Chinese and western flower-and-bird paintings. Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (MJSSH), 10. pp. 1-21. ISSN 2504-8562

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Abstract

The research paper investigates the minute intricacies of the correlation between cultural philosophies and aesthetic traditions by conducting a comparative analysis of the flower-and-bird motifs between traditional Chinese and Western paintings. The research uses the theory of Erwin Panofsky's Iconography and Iconology framework to examine the painting techniques which include brushstrokes, color, and composition that identify the way these elements reflect the broader cultural attitude towards nature. Chinese paintings, especially the ones relating to the Chang ’an School are known to be rooted in the Daoist and Confucian philosophies. This emphasizes harmony, interconnectedness, and balance. On the contrary, Western artworks of the same motif by artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet focus on emotional depth through individual perspective and resonance. The paper conducts qualitative research through the incorporation of primary research data from the various artworks from both Chinese and Western artists as well as secondary data from existing academic literature which helped to analyses the symbolic and visual details. The primary findings of the research show that Chinese art is more focused on universal moral philosophies that use symbolic motifs whereas the Western approach priorities personal expression and highlights the transience of natural beauty. The paper concludes with a final recommendation for future research into the influence of globalization and digital technology on the traditional artistic forms and techniques which foster hybrid styles and create connectivity between the East and the West.

Item Type:	Article
Keyword:	Chinese flower-and-bird, paintings, Chang’an School, Western art, Panofsky’s iconology, Confucian and Daoist, symbolism
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion > BL1-2790 Religions. Mythology. Rationalism > BL660-2680 History and principles of religions > BL1000-2370 Asian. Oriental > BL1300-1380 Jainism > BL1379-1380 Modifications, etc. N Fine Arts > ND Painting > ND25-3416 Painting > ND1288-1460 Special subjects > ND1400-1403 Flowers. Fruit. Trees
Department:	FACULTY > Academy of Arts and Creative Technology
Depositing User:	JUNAINE JASNI -
Date Deposited:	04 Nov 2025 14:53
Last Modified:	04 Nov 2025 14:53
URI:	https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/45612

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