This study takes the traditional Chinese plant dyeing "warm and elegant" color system as the research object, and analyzes its characteristics, historical development and aesthetic connotation in depth. Through the combing of a large number of historical documents and field research, it is found that the "warm and elegant" color system is a unique aesthetic expression in traditional Chinese culture, which emphasizes the harmony and mediocrity of the color, and embodies the mediocrity of Confucianism by being not overly ornate, but not losing elegance. The formation and development of this color system is deeply influenced by ancient philosophical thinking, especially in the application of clothing, cultural and creative design and other fields, showing the Chinese people's respect for natural beauty and the pursuit of a harmonious life. The relationship between plant dyeing technology and "warm and elegant" color expression is further explored. The traditional Chinese plant dyeing technique, with its environmentally friendly and sustainable characteristics and unique color expression, has become an important means of realizing the concept of "warm and elegant" colors. The selection and matching of different plant dyes not only determine the color tones and levels, but also profoundly affect the interpretation and expression of colors in different cultural contexts. In addition, this study reveals the interaction between the "warm and elegant" color system and various art forms, such as painting, ceramics, and embroidery, and how these art forms work together to shape traditional Chinese aesthetic styles. Through an in-depth analysis of the philosophical thinking behind the "gentle and elegant" color system, we find that the Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist concepts of nature and harmony have a profound influence on the selection and matching of colors, which further enriches the cultural connotations and aesthetic value of the color system.

Haihui Shen, Guangyu Zhang. The "gentle and elegant" color system and aesthetic connotation of traditional Chinese plant dyeing. Frontiers in Art Research(2025), Vol. 7, Issue 3: 28-35. https://doi.org/10.25236/FAR.2025.070306.

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