The Spirit of “Imagery Appreciation” in Traditional Chinese Aesthetics

Traditional Chinese aesthetics advocates that literature and art should primarily express the mind and nature of the subjects. However, according to Confucian rituals, the expression of emotions and ideas should not be straightforward, adhering to a philosophy of tenderness and gentleness. As Zheng Xuan said, “When pointing out the faults of the present, one should not criticize harshly but use analogy to express opinions.”