Abstract:

On the basis of physical and empirical research, composition culture and arts of waist pouches used by Han people in the North China are unscrambled. By the classified study on collections of antique waist pouches, we have learnt that the northern waist pouches should be classified into two types: the bowl-shaped “Lu-Dou” and the belt-shaped “Man-Yao-Zhuan”, while the former was more widespread and with richer forms. By the comparison of districts and types, we have found that the waist pouches have their own special characteristics, such as the standardized style, flattened shape, fabric-saving techniques, meaningful patterns and the equalizing composition. And these composing arts reflect the classical idea of "respecting traditions and following rules", creation thought of "conforming to nature and according to material", as well as the "meaningful and auspicious" pattern arts of the clothing culture of the Han ethnics.

Key words: Chinese waist pouch, composition, fabric, pattern