INTERSECTING PATHS OF ART HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY IN CHINA: TRACING CULTURAL EVOLUTION FROM QING DYNASTY TO REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Abstract

Academics have long been curious about the substantial and varied subject of research called China's artwork records and archaeology interface. China's wealthy cultural legacy is linked to the evolution of apparel practices, which have been a dynamic representation of the country's tradition, values, and identity. The principal objective of this research was to trace the profound cultural evolution of clothing from Qing dynasty which was characterized by lavish materials, problematic designs, and symbolic hierarchy to the Republic of China, which was characterized by the ascendancy of Western-style clothing and the expression of modernity and nationalism. Through the lenses of art history and archaeology, this study aimed to realize the complex reasons that influenced these dramatic alterations. The study used a mixture of ancient documents, archaeological materials, artistic portrayals, and preservation efforts to investigate the complex nature of apparel practices in these two historic eras. The exam of ancient resources as well as the excavation of apparel remnants have been employed to reap facts, and the evaluation used comparative and multidisciplinary processes. The findings indicated a detailed understanding of how clothing was more than just a matter of style, but also a reflection of cultural values, social hierarchies, and political dynamics. The findings revealed the assessment of grandeur and practicality, symbolism and political expression, and the cohabitation of subculture and modernity  Protecting these physical relics of history is crucial, as preservation issues have shown. This work adds to the body of knowledge by providing subtle insights into the evolution of Chinese clothing, the interaction between art and material culture, and the critical importance of preserving these relics. As a monument to the enduring legacy of clothing as a mirror reflecting the soul of a civilization, it deepens our grasp of cultural history.