A Research on the Historical Origin of the Formation of 'Pu Shou' Graphic Art of China

摘要

Pu shou graphic art is a comprehensive embodiment of ancient animal-face decoration and sculpture art. From animal mask prototypes in the primitive society, to artifacts with animal face holding ring and unearthed rhino skulls in Yin Ruins, Anyang, Henan province, among Shang and Zhou Dynasties, to a large number of animal-face-holding-ring decorations on pottery and jade in Spring and Autumn and the Warring States periods, then to the coexistence of animal title ring on artifacts and Pu Shou holding ring on the doors of tombs in Qin and Han Dynasties, Pu Shouholding-ring images experienced a complete formation process. However, the archaeological data has not yet proven the exact date when the animal face holding ring evolved into the Pu shou image on doors. Therefore it can only be speculated: Before Han Dynasty, Pu Shou had been separated from decorative patterns on the artifacts, especially used for door decorations, and developed with beast-face decorations. According to the pattern formation rheological and connotation of development and change as the main clue, through the collation and analysis of the remains of primitive society to the phase of the Han Dynasty Pu Shou graphic art, clear the venation of the development, and as a basis to research the historical origin of its formation.