『홍루몽』의 전통 예술 미학 - 작품 속 회화와 서예를 중심으로

Abstract

Poetry, calligraphy and painting, with their relevance to the inner dignity and elegance of writers, have become the most sublime art form through the historical change in the Chinese traditional era. Thus, almost all noblemen or aristocrats of traditional era owned a few pieces of paintings and calligraphic works in their homes. This study analyzes historical paintings and calligraphic works in the text of 『The Dream of Red Chamber』 that vividly describe the unique lifestyles of noble families during Qing Dynasty. By analyzing what atmosphere the paintings and calligraphic works brought in relevant spaces and what correlations they had with people living there, this study intends to bear witness to the significance and value of the art of traditional painting and calligraphic works in 『The Dream of Red Chamber』 . First, while, for the artist, the paintings and calligraphic works in 『The Dream of Red Chamber』 functioned as an effective formal technique and device, for readers they became aesthetic things to take a look and appreciate. Second, the painting and calligraphic works hint at characters's personalities and are thus used as one of the significant narrative devices of the novel leading toward its theme. As shown above, the painting and calligraphic works in 『The Dream of Red Chamber』 enlarge the boundary of novel as they stimulate sensitivity of readers, promote three-dimensional understanding of characters, and expand to the level of theme, instead of being simple redundant techniques.