clothing traditions of women in tang dynasty

IFF/1-3/ Angarag Byambajav

CLOTHING TRAIDITIONS OF WOMEN IN TANG DYNASTY

中國文化歷史

introductionThe tang dynasty 

(Chinese:  唐朝 ; pinyin: Táng cháo;  Middle Chinese: Dâng) (618–907 AD) was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. It was founded by the Li family ( 李 ), who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire.

Introductionhanfu (simplified Chinese:  汉服 ; traditional Chinese: 漢服 ; literally: "Han clothing"), also known as Hanzhuang ( 漢裝 ) or Huafu ( 華 服 ), is the traditional dress of the Han Chinese people. The term Hanfu derives from the Book of Han, which says, "then many came to the Court to pay homage and were delighted at the clothing style of the Han [Chinese].”

The Tang dynasty is generally considered the peak of civilization or prosperous "golden age" in ancient China; it was famous for the poetry and artistry it produced, as well as for its culture of decadence, which resulted from the prevalence of political stability throughout the country. During this period, China was also a key center of economic exchange in Asia, and was inevitably influenced by the cultures of the states it traded with (mainly Mongolia, India, and the Arab nations). 

In general, the Tang women’s dresses can be classified into three categories: the hufu, or alien dress that came from the Silk Road

the traditional ruqun, or double layered short jacket that was typical in central China

the full set of male garments that broke the tradition of the Confucian formalities.

Women of the Tang Dynasty did not have to abide by the traditional dress code, but were allowed to expose their arms and back when they dressed, or wear dresses absorbing elements from other cultures. They could wear men’s riding garments if they liked, and enjoyed right to choose their own spouse or to divorce him.

In the ancient society, relatively to any other era, the degree of openness of the Tang Dynasty women's apparel is surprising. Small-sleeved coats usually made of yarn, still long skirts, wide and long scarves were what they often wore. They could bare the part of body above their chests. This sort of cloth could show the beauty of women better.

The timeline

MAKEUP

INTERESTING FACTThe Huadian or forehead decoration was said to have originated in the Southern Dynasty, when the Shouyang Princess was taking a walk in the palace in early spring and a light breeze brought a plum blossom onto her forehead. The plum blossom for some reason could not be washed off or removed in any way. Fortunately, it looked beautiful on her, and all of a sudden became all the rage among the girls of the commoners. It is therefore called the “Shouyang makeup” or the “plum blossom makeup.”

Although facial makeup was not invented by the Tang women, they were quite elaborate and extravagant. They not only powdered their faces, darkened their eyebrows, rouged their cheeks or put on lipsticks. These women also decorated their foreheads with a yellow crescent, which was said to be an imitation of the northwestern ethnic minorities. Eyebrows were painted in different shapes.

EYEBROWS

HAIRSTYLES

CONCLUSIONThis style of clothing has prevailed to the demise of the Tang Dynasty, but they could have witnessed such a bold dress in history only in the Tang Dynasty. Thousands of women’s deportment of Tang Dynasty are still staying on the mural, for future generations to share the charm of the Tang dynasty.

REFERENCES

Every web site that is about or somehow connected to the clothing traditions of Tang Dynasty, including the Chinese ones.