The Evolution of Sacrificial Furniture Decorative Motifs in Wuyi Overseas Chinese Homelands During the Late Qing and Early Republic Periods

Abstract

The late Qing and early Republican periods marked a pivotal era in China's transition from tradition to modernity. As a significant cradle of modern Chinese immigrant culture, the Wuyi Overseas Chinese hometown saw its ritual furniture not only serve as a medium for religious ceremonies but also as a tangible testament to cultural integration. With its unique overseas immigrant background, the decorative motifs of Wuyi ritual furniture exhibit distinct regional characteristics and phenomena of cultural fusion. Through literature analysis, physical examination, and comparative research, this study systematically categorizes the decorative patterns of Wuyi ritual furniture, explores their craftsmanship techniques and cultural connotations, and delves into the evolution from the intricate traditional motifs of the late Qing to the simplified and integrated styles of the early Republic. The research reveals that the transformation of Wuyi ritual furniture motifs was driven by three factors: the improved material conditions and aesthetic demands brought by overseas remittance economies, the interplay between Western decorative arts and Lingnan indigenous craftsmanship, and the interplay between clan consciousness and pragmatism during social transformation. Ultimately, while preserving the core function of ritual furniture, these motifs gradually developed a unique style that blends elegance with accessibility, becoming an important material carrier of cultural identity in the Overseas Chinese hometown.