A Preliminary Study On The Creation Of Taoist Artistic Conception In QiYuan

Taoism is one of the most significant parts of Chinese traditional culture.It originated from Laozi and Zhuangzi philosophy.Although it never became acknowledged officially in history,Taoism has been acting as a vital role to promoting the development of Chinese ancient thoughts.Since Taoism focuses on the freedom and liberation of human nature,it has been praised highly by literati and officialdom in feudal China.Taoism has close connection with classical Chinese garden.Through the development in thousands of years,they have been inseparably interconnected,presenting the limitless charm of Chinese traditional culture.QiYuan is the largest and the most well-preserved classical Zhejiang garden at present.Although the simple and free garden view is not as delicate as that in classical Suzhou garden,natural and unrestrained feeling is unique and distinctive.Chen as the first person who praised QiYuan remarked that ‘QiYuan could rival classical Suzhou and Yangzhou garden and the mountains and waters have the advantages of both of them.As a result,the scenery is various and magnificent.However,it is not as delicate as classical Suzhou garden and not as rigid as classical Yangzhou garden,which arose from the climate of the middle Zhejiang and the compatibility of the art and culture.' The design of rocks and waters significantly influences the artistic conception of this garden.This paper will focus on the artistic conception of QiYuan and discuss the artistic technique and contemporary cogitation of the artistic conception combined with Taoist thought and the unique historical evolution of this garden.