What is the meaning of the patterned vines carved on European furniture?
Traditional is the crystallization of wisdom and precious cultural heritage of various ethnic groups. The patterns on its decorative parts are rich and colorful and beautiful. The different characteristics of furniture decoration patterns in different periods and regions also constitute the different characteristics of furniture in history. An important element of artistic style; each decorative element plays an important role in the overall furniture, thus enriching the shape of the furniture and forming a diversification of furniture. Acanthus, laurel, shells, lions, eagles, etc. are all commonly used themes in European classical decorative art. What kind of meaning do they represent?
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Growing on the Mediterranean coast of southern Europe, it has beautiful zigzag leaves and elegant posture, so it was widely used by ancient Greek artists and craftsmen. Used in decorative arts. From Byzantine style, Gothic style to Renaissance style, acanthus leaves are the most common decorative theme in almost all Western-style art. The candelabra of the Vatican, the columns of the Pantheon in Rome, and the walls of Notre Dame de Paris all have acanthus leaves of various shapes carved on them. Acanthus patterns exist in large numbers in Western design decorations. They are the most representative plant decorative patterns in different Western cultural forms and are of great significance to the history of decorative art. It often uses the vines of the acanthus plant as a link, intertwined with each other, embellished with leaves, and interspersed with a small number of flower buds. It has the characteristics of continuity and strong "suitable pattern", and uses vivid lines to form a living, organic pattern that is rich in rhythm. , distinct rhythm, allowing people to feel the human emotions carried in the stylization and generation process of plant patterns, and the artistic effects produced can make people have positive and pleasant associations such as flowers, green leaves, sunshine, waves, etc.; there are classical , the aura of nobility, and has the meaning of good luck and peace.
Laurel
A common theme in European classical decorative arts. In ancient Greece, the crowns worn by emperors and Olympic winners were all made of laurel, which was a symbol of honor. This is the origin of the "laurel crown". Therefore, the flower language of the laurel tree is pride. Napoleon regarded the laurel tree as a symbol of power and used it extensively in furniture of that period.
Seashells
The Phoenicians regarded seashells as a symbol of good luck, and the ancient Greeks borrowed this theme in their classical decorative arts. In the European classical furniture of the late Renaissance, scallop decoration was more widely used. Scallop shell carvings can often be seen on the backs of sofas and chairs or on the facades of cabinets.
Lions? Animal images also appear more frequently in European classical decorative arts, among which lions are the most commonly used. The lion has a majestic physique, majestic demeanor and aristocratic temperament, and is a symbol of strength and courage. The Greeks and Romans believed that lions were the patron saints of springs, doors, temples and monuments, so there were images of lions in these places.
Eagle? The eagle's status in the bird family is as extraordinary as the lion's status among beasts. Eagles have long been a common theme in early decorations in Persia, Asia, Egypt and other regions. Later, the highly decorated eagle appeared more widely on the roofs of buildings or in large-scale reliefs, and its majestic appearance of soaring and fighting in the sky was forever fixed in gilded bronze, adding a new dimension to the world for those who own it. The pride of time.