Release Time:2019-03-12  Hits:

Indexed by: Journal Article

Date of Publication: 2017-01-01

Journal: CULTURA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHILOSOPHY OF CULTURE AND AXIOLOGY

Included Journals: A&HCI

Volume: 14

Issue: 1

Page Number: 59-70

ISSN: 1584-1057

Key Words: Chinese gourds; time framework; symbolism; temporal representations

Abstract: A gourd is a sort of pumpkin whose shell is frequently used to keep food and water. Gourds are also used as kitchen utensils, musical instruments or decoration. This paper draws attention to the time framework in gourd image representations, which symbolize universality and immortality (primitive time) as well as the positive notions of regeneration and emptiness. By analyzing the artistic expressions in the form of gourd representations reflected in literature and art, this paper reveals the complex notion of time in Chinese civilization.