Fashionable Guan Gong 무대 의상

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The innovation of this design is mainly reflected in the application of The fabric incorporates cross-disciplinary textile production applications, utilizing embroidered fabric labels, embroidery techniques, and lace to simulate traditional embroidery craftsmanship with both design and innovative applications. The integration of digital improvements into traditional embroidery processes accelerates production time, resulting in a fashionable yet culturally distinctive performance costume. This approach transforms the costume into a decorative art form, adding tension and expressiveness. The application of traditional embroidery patterns infuses the artwork with vibrant.

Dimensions & Packaging

Variable sizes

Tags

Stage Wear, Fashion design, National costume, Label, Embroidery, Traditional craft culture, Creative design, Costume, Culture creative, Installation art

Production Technology

The primary techniques involve materials and applications of embroidered fabric labels, embroidery, and mixed media. Applying the embroidered fabric label technique to create traditional embroidered lions involves infusing Spun Polyester thread in the middle of this material for effective shaping and support. Digital printing, Nylon yarn, and embroidery techniques are utilized to portray the cultural spirit of mountains and seas in Chinese culture. Additionally, this material serves as a decorative element, enhancing the visual appeal by securely adorning the costume design.

Design Challenge

The challenge lies in how to express Eastern deity culture through modern Western three-dimensional tailoring. Utilizing digital algorithms and researching the application of textile technology in traditional hand-embroidery works to reduce the weight and enhance the wear resistance of traditional embroidery pieces. The dragon and lion motifs on the clothing are not created using embroidery techniques but are extracted through trademark production methods. What I want to discuss is the new possibilities of traditional craft culture in contemporary design.

Research

Researching the intangible cultural heritage of over a century from the Puji Temple in Daxi, Taiwan, focusing on the deity Guan Gong, this involves studying the intricacies of the attire. Emphasizing the wide robes and large sleeves, the attire showcases the highest level of traditional carving artistry, known as the "Embracing Longevity" style. The clothing design embodies the concept of both literary and martial prowess, symbolizing the spirit of loyalty, righteousness, and bravery in Chinese culture. Guan Gong holds significance as a vital deity in Taiwan's folk belief culture.

Inspiration

Drawing inspiration from the traditional clothing style of the statue of Guan Sheng Dijun at Taiwan's Daxi Puji Temple, an intangible cultural heritage with a history of over a century. The aspiration is to break away from the singularity of traditional divine clothing embroidery culture, utilizing modern textile technology and craftsmanship to revive traditional techniques. Creating a unique and narrative-driven ethnic performance costume based on the historical and cultural aspects of Guan Gong.

Project Duration

The project started in June 2023 in Taipei and finished in July 2023 in Taipei, and was exhibited in Daxi Martial Arts Hall of Fine Arts in July 2023.

Operation Flow

This work is not only wearable clothing, but also can be regarded as an installation art. The work incorporates mixed media (embroidered fabric labels, embroidery, aluminum wire, cotton paper, mesh) to create hats, clothing, and stylistic accessories. The artwork showcases an aesthetically pleasing overall design, and possesses significant artistic value for observation and appreciation.

Patents

Patented. Patent No.M649328. Patent Holder to LIANG-I WU. From December 11, 2023, to July 20, 2033. Jurisdiction by Intellectual Property Office, Ministry of Economic Affairs, R.O.C.
For copyrights: "Copyrights belong to LIANG-I WU/CHI-HSIANG LI, 2023”

Image Credits

Copyright by LIANG-I WU,
Image #1: Photographer CHIA-HAO HSU，2023
Image #2: Photographer CHIA-HAO HSU，2023
Image #3: Photographer CHIA-HAO HSU，2023
Image #4: Photographer CHIA-HAO HSU，2023
Image #5: Photographer CHIA-HAO HSU，2023
Model: CHI-HSIANG LI，2023