고대 중국 색채어 ‘紫’의 문화적 함의와 문학적 상징— 先秦 시대부터 唐代까지를 중심으로

Abstract

This study examines the cultural connotations and literary symbolism of the ancient Chinese color term ‘紫(Zi)’ and analyzes its use in poetry from the Tang Dynasty and earlier periods. The research reveals that ‘紫’ initially held a low status as a secondary color in the pre-Qin period, but gradually rose in prominence through the Shoucai(綬采) system of the Han dynasty and the Pinseyi(品色衣) system of the Tang dynasty, reaching its peak during the Tang era. The color term ‘紫’ developed a complex symbolic system that combined political authority and Taoist sacredness, simultaneously reflecting imperial prestige and auspicious significance. In poetry before the Tang dynasty, ‘紫’ primarily symbolized sacredness, transcendence, authority, and imperial power, while Tang dynasty poetry added new meanings of natural beauty and aesthetic harmony. Notable Tang poets such as Li Bai(李白) and Du Fu(杜甫) employed ‘紫’ to express their ideals and emotions, capturing various aspects of contemporary society. This study contributes to the field by comprehensively examining the development of traditional Chinese color concepts, social hierarchy, and cultural connotations through the color term ‘紫’, thereby exploring the intersection between color terminology research and literary studies.