Why are Shang and Zhou bronzes commonly decorated with Taotie patterns?

What does the Taotie pattern refer to? There have been many debates and there is no conclusion yet. Some say they are cows, sheep, tigers, deer, mandrills... Among these theories, the theory that Taotie is a tiger is the loudest. Many scholars engaged in research on primitive culture and art believe that the Taotie pattern is an exaggeration and deformation of the tiger pattern. In ancient times, the tiger was also a very important divine beast that reached the sky. The shape of a wizard riding a tiger often appeared in the cultural relics of later generations. In the long history of Chinese culture, before the worship of "dragon and phoenix", there was a long period of dragon and tiger worship. The dragon-tiger fighting pattern became very popular from the Eastern Zhou Dynasty to the Western Han Dynasty, especially the one unearthed from the Mawangdui Han Tomb. The picture of the dragon and the tiger fighting each other is the most exquisite and powerful. The ancients believed that the tiger was a yang animal, "The clouds follow the dragon, and the wind follows the tiger." The fight between the dragon and the tiger represents the union of yin and yang. In the Han Dynasty, Canglong, White Tiger, Suzaku and Xuanwu represented the four astronomical officials of the East, West, South and North. At least, in the early days of Chinese history, the status of the tiger was not inferior to that of the dragon. However, the description of the magical power of tigers in ancient books is obviously difficult to compare with the prominent position of Taotie on bronze vessels.

It is said that a dragon gave birth to nine sons, and the fifth son was called Taotie. It was a concrete manifestation of the dark side of society at that time, and people also resented the oppression of the slave society and used Taotie to express their feelings, and Taotie became more and more familiar to people. Comparing Taotie to a cannibalistic slave society is the most important meaning of ancient Taotie culture.

Because the Taotie is a ferocious monster with powerful power, it is used as a talisman by many ethnic minorities in the north. They carve its patterns on utensils and food dishes, thinking that this way they can use the Taotie. The powerful strength, not being swallowed by other beasts, gradually replaced the original cruel side of cannibalism.

Now, the main meaning of Taotie is a symbol of food culture.

"Taotie" is a mythical beast in ancient Chinese legends. Its biggest feature is that it can be eaten.

The true name and prototype of the mythical beast referred to by the animal mask pattern has long been buried in the ages that can never be reproduced. Later generations used it because of its ferocious, mysterious and terrifying appearance, and some of them had human heads in their mouths. Give him the name Taotie. Taotie was originally used in "Zuo Zhuan" to describe those who are greedy for money and gluttony and are unkind and unjust. Modern scholars have pointed out that naming the animal mask pattern as a cannibalistic glutton is far-fetched and goes against the social and cultural conditions of the Shang and Zhou dynasties.

Because of its ferocious and terrifying appearance and its reputation as a glutton, it is almost impossible to find traces of this beast in the evolution of Chinese culture and art. In the middle of the Western Zhou Dynasty, animal patterns that had been popular for hundreds of years suddenly withdrew from the field of bronze decoration as the main pattern. However, several animal patterns that appeared on bronzes at the same time as the Taotie pattern, such as dragons, tigers, phoenixes, turtles, etc., appeared in large numbers in both official and private circles in the subsequent cultural evolution, becoming the most famous auspicious symbols in Chinese culture. Objects and artistic expressions are an endless stream of themes. Especially dragons, in the Bronze Age, most of them had the same ferocious faces as the Taotie pattern. In terms of mystery, power and status, dragons were far inferior to gluttons in the Bronze Age. However, the dragon later ascended to the highest throne of Chinese cultural and political symbols, and "Taotie", the supreme figure of the Bronze Age, was hard to find.

According to legend, Taotie was the decapitated head of Chi You after he was defeated by Yan and Huang. It had the ability to devour all things and was sealed by the Yellow Emperor with the Xuanyuan Sword and guarded by the lion clan for generations ( The first stone lion)

Modern meaning: Originated from "Mr. Boursicot, a French advertising collector, who is the founder of "Advertising Gluttonous Night". It is a grand gathering of advertising professionals. Its door is open to all People in the industry can see and learn the creative expression techniques of advertising, and people outside the industry can also get pleasure and enjoyment from it. The important thing about its success is that it provides an excellent place for young audiences to vent their emotions. It is a cheerful and rational outlet, warm but not crazy. "Advertising Night" prepares an advertising feast for the audience, which is to satisfy every audience. Advertising Night has entered its 24th global screening. (started in 1984). Every advertising night, the streets are full of people wearing masks, waving balloons, shouting and singing. "Taotie" also indicates the relaxation of the soul and the satisfaction of desires in modern culture. The meaning of "glutton" is extended to refer to an extraordinary feast.

Extended meaning: It has the meaning of a photography feast and a large gathering, and also extends to our understanding of photography. It is also an endless desire. Be a glutton, but eat this feast with your eyes, ears and heart instead of your mouth.

Related words:

The gluttonous people are gluttonous, they are gluttonous, they are gluttonous, they are gluttonous, they are gluttonous, they are gluttonous, they are gluttonous, they are gluttonous, they are gluttonous, they are gluttonous, they are gluttonous, they are gluttonous, they are gluttonous Taotie pattern Taotie pattern is solemn, dignified and mysterious.

Taotie lines generally appear in the face of animals, with the characteristics of insects, fish, birds, beasts and other animals. They are composed of eye lines, nose lines, eyebrow lines, ear lines, mouth lines, and horn lines. The structure is relatively distinct, and it is precisely these characteristics that lead people to a mysterious art world. The Taotie pattern of the Shang Dynasty is particularly effective in attracting people's attention.

The Taotie pattern is fierce and solemn, with rigorous structure, exquisite production and mysterious realm. It is one of the best works of bronze decorative patterns and represents the highest level of bronze decorative patterns