Study on decorative patterns in The Great Nuo Picture

Abstract

The Great Nuo Picture《大傩图》collected by the Forbidden City in Beijing is a Song Dynasty genre painting, which depicts twelve people wearing strange costumes, wearing various hats, holding musical instruments or daily utensils, dancing and showing a joyful atmosphere. By interpreting the meaning of Nuo in various dynasties, it was determined that this was a Nuo opera activity that took place in the Jiangnan area during the Southern Song Dynasty. Based on the classification and research of the decorative patterns that appeared more frequently on the costumes of the characters in the painting, it was found that this may be a borrowed object from the painter. To express emotions, it expresses the expectation that the imperial court will regain its lost territory in the north as soon as possible. The painting not only has a strong atmosphere of the market, but also depicts exquisite and luxurious costumes. The fusion of two completely different artistic styles in the painting is obviously related to the special environment of the painters of the Southern Song Dynasty Painting Academy.