Motifs are very common on hanfu garments. They could be animal motifs, plant motifs, or motifs of immortals. They are so common that a hanfu does not seem culturally complete without them; they are like the finishing touches on the hanfu dresses. A hanfu could contain one type of motif or a combination, most of which carry special meanings. Some of the motifs are fantastical and will have mythological stories behind them.
The 3 popular traditional Chinese fantasy animal motifs include:
1. Tunshou
Tunshou goes by the name Chiwen and is a mythological beast in ancient Chinese culture. The image of this beast features a fish body and dragon head, an embellishment popular with Chinese architecture, especially on the ridge ends, seemingly sealing joints and preventing leakages from rainwater. When used this way, the motifs are protective and add decorative beauty to the roof. The roof ridge use has an interesting legend behind it.
When used in a costume, the Tunshou acts as armor shoulder decoration. It usually shows teeth with a wide open mouth protecting the shoulders in combat. It also serves as a way of deterring monsters and demons. In essence, the arms on a man’s body are like the palace roofs; this relates well with the palace roof story.
2. Tiger
This is another very common motif believed to promote peace, considering that tigers are considered peace protectors and evil spirit calmers. During Dragon Boat Festival, it is common for the adults to sew incense sacks in the form of tigers for their children using colored strings. They then put Xiong Huang into the sacs as a way of keeping evil filth at bay.
In Ming Dynasty, during the festival, people adorned clothes with the five poisons, which are geckos, centipedes, snakes, scorpions, and toads. The poisons would later be accompanied by the tiger, usually lying in mugwort flowers.
3. Qilin
The Qilin is also referred to as Kirin. It is a mythical sacred animal with deer antlers, a dragon head, a lion tail, and cow hooves.
Before the Tang Dynasty, the Qilin changed several times, and its appearance was therefore not fixed. The body became lion shaped and scaly in the Sing Dynasty and is its current form. This animal is considered auspicious and is highly regarded, especially in ancient times. It is assigned with simple and good wishes. When used as a dress pattern, it is used on noble dresses as the emperor’s reward. Only the fifth-ranking officials would wear the pattern in Ming Dynasty.
Qilin is also referred to as a Chinese unicorn because of its vegetarian and peaceful nature. The mythical beast is a symbol of prosperity and good luck. In Chinese, Japanese and Korean traditions, Qilin appeared to signal the death or birth of benevolent rulers or sage scholars. You can find striking Qilin hanfu outfits in the market, including the ones highlighted below.
The kirin embroidery on the skirt and coat is so real and elaborate that you can feel the texture of the scales by just glancing. The cross-collared top is white, and the wrap-around skirt is light purple, whereas the coat is a light blue color together, creating an outfit you are bound to show off everywhere. With the huge embroidery of the kirin, go easy with the accessories to maintain attention on the beautiful creature.
2. Dragon Hanfu
The blur gradient skirt is stunning with detailed dragon-floral embroidery. The white top, also carefully embroidered on the collar, maintains the neatness of the hanfu, whereas the coat takes the major embroidery work. The huge Kirin embroidery at the back is surprisingly beautiful; it will make a lasting impression and keep interest on you.
3. Black Hanfu
If you are bold and need to attract and command attention, this is your hanfu. It is heavily detailed that it is the first thing people will see before going for the face to see the wearer. The golden kirin dragon at the back of the coat is humongous and fierce. You will also love the landscapes, the floral details, and the fire wheels, among other elements. The hanfu is well executed and is a stunning piece that will earn you the trophy where you choose to wear it.
This one has a multi-colored skirt and a blue completely contrasting coat. The kirin is concentrated on the coat, especially on the sleeves and back. The geometrical patterns on the collar and cuffs of the white top are striking and give the eye a cooling break. The black floral belt also manages to find it placed amongst the many colors and does work appropriately. The hanfu is designed to be suitable for all seasons; hence it will be a valuable addition to your wardrobe.
5. Red Hanfu
This black and red swordsman costume is simple but bold. The two colors give an unexpected superiority people will feel like bowing when you approach. The embroidery is exquisite and minimal on the collar, belt, and coat sleeves. The kirin on this hanfu is at the bottom part of the coat at the back and looks like it’s roaming around the hem. It feels like a hanfu you can wear to formal functions; it is elegantly cool and will make people around you hold you in high esteem even without knowing who you are.
Summary
Buying and wearing a hanfu gives you a sense of belonging, especially as far as Chinese culture goes. The mythical animals, such as the Qilin, hold deep meaning, and it would be a great idea to have at least one outfit with the creature’s form. The animal motifs have a way of attracting attention and showing a fierce side of you, so don’t be surprised if you suddenly feel confident and brave when wearing a Qilin hanfu. Of course, you can also go for other Chinese animals; it all depends on what you feel like you relate more with.