Research On The Concept Of Rhythm In Chinese Classical Aesthetics

Rhythm is a vivid expression of life, it reflects vitality and emotional power in Chinese classical art. Chinese artists have created various forms of rhythm in their different works. During that process they have somehow shaped the peculiar concept of rhythm. This concept of rhythm makes explanations for the intimacy between Chinese ancients and the nature. It also determines the pursuit of lyricism, flow and vitality in Chinese classical art and it unveils life rhythm in Chinese classical aesthetics. This thesis attempts to analyze and generalize the concept of rhythm in three levels:the origin of the concept of rhythm, the external form of the rhythm in Chinese classical art, the internal state of rhythm in Chinese classical aesthetics. Through these three levels, the thesis tries to construct the preliminary theoretical system in the concept of rhythm in Chinese classical aesthetics.The first chapter focuses on "Qi", this category is closely related to the origin of the concept of rhythm. The ancient concept of rhythm includes three aspects:the first one is about the nature, this kind of concept originates from observations of natural phenomena which emphasizes the orders of the universe, it advocates adaptation to the universal changes. The second one is about humanity, this kind of concept originates from the shape of personality and it determines the direction of personal accomplishment and the order of social running. In addition, the Confucian and the Taoist have different views toward it. The third one is about art, this kind of concept reflects the vitality and emotional power in Chinese art works which pursues implicit beauty and power of life.The second chapter focuses on "Shi", this category reflects the external forms of rhythm in Chinese classical art. The first level of "Shi" is "Ti Shi" which embodies different forms of Chinese ancient art. We take Chinese ancient calligraphy and poetry as examples. As a representative of art of space, the Chinese ancient calligraphy has various forms which all show different rhythm in movements of line and ink. Its images create the beauty of rhythm. As a representative of art of time, Chinese ancient poetry shows ingenuity in the rhythm of sound, literary grace and texture, these rich forms of rhythm make Chinese ancient poetry impressive and beautiful. The second level of "Shi" is "Tai Shi" which embodies dialectic elements inside the art work:"Dong" and "Jing", "Xu" and "Shi", "Shou" and "Fang".In the pursuit of beautiful rhythm, Chinese ancient art advocates "Jing", "Xu" and "Fang", which is the main idea of concept of rhythm in Chinese classical aesthetics.The third chapter focuses on "You", this category conveys internal state of the rhythm in Chinese classical aesthetics. This state is about the pursuit of free rhythm in Chinese ancient artists’ life. "You" is a kind of lifestyle which most fits the temperament of Chinese ancient artists. We can learn the pursuit of rhythm sate in ancient Chinese artists through three levels:the state of aesthetics contemplation, artistic creation and life experience. In the face of natural phenomena, Chinese ancient artists see themselves as a part of the universe and they look up and look down which forms a peculiar quiet and joyful rhythm in aesthetic contemplation. In the face of art work, they enjoy the situation authors create and find resonance. In the face of art creation, they reach a sate which includes the aesthetic subject and aesthetic object and the art works have achieved a wonderful state. All of this phenomena originates from the deep rhythm in Chinese artists’ life experience.The concept of rhythm in Chinese classical aesthetic demonstrates itself in this three categories:"Qi", "Shi", "You". We can find specific discussion about these categories in Chinese ancient books. This kind of concepts has great influence on life and creation of Chinese artists. Therefore, they view the world in a dialectical and entire way and prefer fluent and vivid expression in rhythm forms. In fact, they follow a free rhythm in their life. The research on the concept of rhythm in Chinese classical aesthetics leads us to deep spirit in Chinese classical art.