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Communication of Chinese Costume Art

Delve into the fascinating world of Chinese costume art as you explore Chinese culture, tradition, and history.

A woman is painting intricate details onto a costume.

Communication of Chinese Costume Art

  • 8 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Open level

Find out more about how to join this course

  • Duration

    8 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Unlimited subscription

    $244.99 for a whole yearLearn more

Gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and costume

On this eight-week course, you’ll explore the vibrant world of traditional Chinese culture.

This course is an interesting blend of cultural heritage, innovative design, and historical wisdom – perfect if you’re eager to delve into the art of traditional Chinese costumes.

Examining the unique relationship between Chinese costume aesthetics and nature and the lineage of Chinese costume culture, you’ll gain a solid understanding of Chinese costume art.

Journey through history, from the Zhou Dynasty to the Ming Dynasty

You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of Chinese cultural heritage, examining the historical lineage and cultural depth of traditional Chinese costumes.

Explore how these iconic costumes reflect the evolution of Chinese culture from the Zhou Dynasty to the Ming Dynasty, offering insights into national identity and aesthetic evolution.

The course also emphasises the integration of the 24 Solar Terms to help you nderstand the harmonious relationship between these seasonal elements and attire, enhancing your appreciation for the natural beauty woven into Chinese costume design.

Master the art of cultural communication

The course will help you develop essential communication skills as you craft reports and design drafts inspired by the 24 Solar Terms. With this knowledge, you’ll enhance your abilities in cultural design and communication.

Gain expert knowledge from Chinese cultural heritage specialists

Then, you’ll explore modern interpretations and ritualistic roles of traditional Chinese costumes, such as the Chinese Tunic Suit and ancient ceremonial attire.

Guided by experts who specialise in cultural and design disciplines, you’ll finish the course with a deepened knowledge of Chinese cultural heritage.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Roots of Chinese Costume Culture

    • The concept of left and right & right-lapel crossed collar

      The concept of left and right & right-lapel crossed collar

      The ancient Chinese people would sometimes honor the left and sometimes the right, depending on the occasion and the purpose. These seemingly contradictory customs are actually consistent with different cultural beliefs.

    • The five cardinal colors of the Zhou Dynasty (1)

      The five cardinal colors of the Zhou Dynasty (1)

      This topic is “Zhou Dynasty using five colors to signify five directions.” This theme involves colors, directions, and how they are connected with the rituals, politics, and philosophy of the Zhou Dynasty.

    • The five cardinal colors of the Zhou Dynasty (2)

      The five cardinal colors of the Zhou Dynasty (2)

      Continuing from our last discussion: Zhou Dynasty using five colors to signify five directions.

    • The twelve ornamental patterns representing authority

      The twelve ornamental patterns representing authority

      In this lecture, we will learn about the 12 types of chapter patterns related to the ritual system of the Zhou Dynasty.

    • The Zhou Dynasty’s ritual system that highlights social hierarchy

      The Zhou Dynasty’s ritual system that highlights social hierarchy

      The etiquette culture of the Zhou dynasty and understand the role and significance of etiquette in society from a historical perspective.

  • Week 2

    The Origin of Chinese Costume Culture

    • The Clothing of the Xia Dynasty

      The Clothing of the Xia Dynasty

      The Xia Dynasty was the beginning of the class society in China, and the social polarization between the rich and the poor appeared, the costumes also began to have some differentiation in material, texture and quantity as well.

    • The Clothing of the Shang Dynasty (1) 

      The Clothing of the Shang Dynasty (1) 

      Shang Dynasty costume became a powerful tool to stabilize the state order and maintain the emperor's dominance.

    • The Clothing of the Shang Dynasty (2)

      The Clothing of the Shang Dynasty (2)

      Let's take a look at the clothing style of the Shang Dynasty from unearthed relics.

    • The Clothing of the Shang Dynasty (3) 

      The Clothing of the Shang Dynasty (3) 

      In Sichuan Province, a series of bronze figures have been unearthed at Sanxingdui and Jinsha Tomb in Guanghan.

    • The Crown Clothing of the Zhou Dynasty Activity

      The Crown Clothing of the Zhou Dynasty Activity

      In the hierarchical clothing system, the most typical and effective clothing that reflects the hierarchical characteristics is the ceremonial robe.

    • The Clothing of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States

      The Clothing of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods (1)

      Next, we introduce one of the most significant changes in costume during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods: the adoption of Hu clothing .

    • The Clothing of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods (2)

      The Clothing of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods (2)

      Ruqun (襦裙) was generally one of the everyday garments worn by women, though men also wore Ruqun (襦裙).

  • Week 3

    The Branch of Chinese Costume Culture

    • Costume of Qin and Han Dynasties

      Costume of Qin and Han Dynasties

      Costume of Qin and Han Dynasties

    • Costume of Wei, Jin, southern and Northern Dynasties

      Costume of Wei, Jin, southern and Northern Dynasties

      Costume of Wei, Jin, southern and Northern Dynasties

    • Costume of Sui, Tang and Five Dynasties

      Costume of Sui, Tang and Five Dynasties

      Costume of Sui, Tang and Five Dynasties

    • Costume in Song Dynasty

      Costume in Song Dynasty

      Costume in Song Dynasty

    • Costume of Liao, Jin, Xixia and Yuan Dynasties

      Costume of Liao, Jin, Xixia and Yuan Dynasties

      Costume of Liao, Jin, Xixia and Yuan Dynasties

    • Costume of Ming Dynasty

      Costume of Ming Dynasty

      Costume of Ming Dynasty

    • Costume of Qing Dynasty

      Costume of Qing Dynasty

      Costume of Qing Dynasty

    •  Costume of the Republic of China

      Costume of the Republic of China

      Costume of the Republic of China

    • Costume Modern fashion

      Costume Modern fashion

      Costume Modern fashion

  • Week 4

    Blossoms of Chinese Costume Culture

    • The Shenyi in the book of Rites

      The Shenyi in the book of Rites

      The Shenyi in the book of Rites

    • The Quju robe on the silk painting of the Warring State

      The Quju robe on the silk painting of the Warring State

      The Quju robe on the silk painting of the Warring State

    • The strong soldiers and sharp weapons of the first Emperor of Qin Dynasty

      The strong soldiers and sharp weapons of the first Emperor of Qin Dynasty

      The strong soldiers and sharp weapons of the first Emperor of Qin Dynasty

    •  Zaju and Chuishao of the Admonitions Scroll

      Zaju and Chuishao of the Admonitions Scroll

      Zaju and Chuishao of the Admonitions Scroll

    • Men with scarf in Tang Dynasty

      Men with scarf in Tang Dynasty

      Men with scarf in Tang Dynasty

    • Women’s Fashion of the Tang Dynasty

      Women’s Fashion of the Tang Dynasty

      Women’s Fashion of the Tang Dynasty

    • The Beizi of Song Dynasty

      The Beizi of Song Dynasty

      The Beizi of Song Dynasty

    • Braided-waist Coat and Robe in the History of Yuan Dynasty

      Braided-waist Coat and Robe in the History of Yuan Dynasty

      Braided-waist Coat and Robe in the History of Yuan Dynasty

    • The Aoqun in the History of Ming Dynasty

      The Aoqun in the History of Ming Dynasty

      The Aoqun in the History of Ming Dynasty

    • The Changyi of the Qing Dynasty

      The Changyi of the Qing Dynasty

      The Changyi of the Qing Dynasty

    • The Cheongsam

      The Cheongsam

      The Cheongsam

    • The Chinese Tunic Suit

      The Chinese Tunic Suit

      The Chinese Tunic Suit

  • Week 5

    Beauty of Spring Solar Terms and Costume

    • 24 Solar Terms

      The Past and Present of the 24 Solar Terms

      The Past and Present of the 24 Solar Terms

    • The source of the materials for restoring the aesthetics of daily life is “Joy With Grace”

      Beginning of Spring

      Beginning of Spring and costume

    • The restoration style of a Ming Dynasty moon-white white damask jacket.

      Rain Water

      Rain Water and costume

    • The cricket and grasshopper hairpins stored in the Forbidden City collection.

      Awakening of Insects

      Awakening of Insects and costume

    • Costume of Spring Equinox

      Spring Equinox

      Spring Equinox and costume

    • The Qingming Festival Tang Dynasty feast restoration by Hanfu enthusiasts in Hanzhong Cit

      Pure Brightness

      Pure Brightness and costume

    • Peony patterns on Qing Dynasty undershirts and cloak-style garments.

      Grain Rain

      Grain Rain and costume

  • Week 6

    The Charm of Summer Solar Terms and Costumes

    • Beginning of Summer and costume

      Beginning of Summer

      Beginning of Summer and costume

    • Qing Dynasty painter Lang Shining, among others, collaborated on the “Imperial Silkworm Cultivation Scroll” where the Empress performs the imperial silkworm cultivation ceremony and watches all the court ladies picking mulberry leaves.

      Grain Buds

      Grain Buds and costume

    • Make floral decorations such as flower wreaths and bouquets, wearing them or using them to decorate rooms, enhancing the atmosphere of the solar term. 

      Grain in Ear

      Grain in Ear and costume

    • Textile of Summer Solstice

      Summer Solstice

      Summer Solstice and costume

    • Hairstyle of Minor Heat

      Minor Heat

      Minor Heat and costume

    •  The man wearing a suspender outfit in the “Northern Qi Dynasty Book Correction Scene”

      Major Heat

      Major Heat and costume

  • Week 7

    Autumn Solar Term and the Elegance of Costume

    • The game of needlework skills in Beginning of Autumn.

      Beginning of Autumn

      Beginning of Autumn and costume

    • The jade hairpin flower style from the Guofeng blogger Chen Xiyue 

      End of Heat

      End of Heat and costume

    • Colorful batik pleated skirt with egret pattern

      White Dew

      White Dew and costume

    • Rabbit Pattern of Autumn Equinox

      Autumn Equinox

      Autumn Equinox and costume

    • A crimson sachet filled with Cornelian cherries and a makeup style mimicking wearing chrysanthemums on the head.

      Cold Dew

      Cold Dew and costume

    • Persimmon Pattern of Frost's Descent

      Frost's Descent

      Frost's Descent and costume

  • Week 8

    Winter Solar Terms and the Warmth of Costume

    • Beginning of Winter and costume

      Beginning of Winter

      Beginning of Winter and costume

    • Textile of Minor Snow

      Minor Snow

      Minor Snow and costume

    • Costume of Major Snow

      Major Snow

      Major Snow and costume

    • he custom and etiquette of offering shoes and socks on the Winter Solstice day

      Winter Solstice

      Winter Solstice and costume

    • Minor Cold and costume

      Minor Cold

      Minor Cold and costume

    • Major Cold and costume

      Major Cold

      Major Cold and costume

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

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Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Apply a comprehensive overview of the historical development and cultural significance of Chinese clothing, exploring the transmission and innovation of costume art through different eras.
  • Creat a global perspective and aims to contribute to the creative transformation and innovative development of Chinese traditional culture, while also advancing the construction of a uniquely Chinese theoretical framework for costume culture.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in Chinese costume art. It will be particularly useful for:

  • Students majoring in fashion design and costume culture, aiming to gain an in-depth understanding of the historical evolution and cultural essence of traditional Chinese costumes, and applying this knowledge to modern fashion design and innovation.
  • Students in cultural communication, journalism, media, and arts management, who wish to explore the dissemination of Chinese culture in a global context through the unique medium of costume and develop innovative approaches to cultural expression.
  • Professionals working in intangible cultural heritage protection and cultural industries, who seek to deepen their understanding of traditional Chinese costume culture through systematic study, thereby contributing to the creative transformation and commercialization of intangible cultural heritage.
  • Researchers and cultural communicators dedicated to international promotion of Chinese culture, as the course offers comprehensive theoretical support and practical platforms, helping them tell the story of China in a global context and advancing the spread of Chinese costume culture worldwide.

Who will you learn with?

Who developed the course?

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Communication University of China

The Communication University of China (CUC) is one of the China’s key universities included in 211 Project and “985 Project Innovation Platform” under the Double First-Class Initiative, which is directly administered by the Ministry of Education. CUC was the first communication university founded in 1954 . In August 2004, it was renamed from Beijing Broadcasting Institute to Communication University of China.

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Choose the best way to learn for you!

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$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$79/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 1 Apr 2025

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

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