For some time I had the intention to write about the topic of the Chinese Paladin Spirit cultures. Probably you have seen many of the sword fighting Chinese films out there such as “Hero”, “Crouching tiger Hidden Dragon” may think it is silly when they leap into the sky to fight one another as if suddenly having the ability of un aided flight. Yet this is not the point of it really and is just a element of style for this type of film. The core of Paladin Culture which was based on the political surroundings for thousands of years : Dedication for and love for the country, Patriotism, Honor, Piety, Humble and Generous. Paladin, maybe the a word maybe too strong, maybe a Hero with a class and elegance that was revered at that time who was versed in Art, Literature and Culture. Similar to a western version of a Knight.
As I said, perhaps the swordsmanship was exaggerated, but the spirit of this Paladin culture exists in reality always. Then I wrote this theme “Heart of Swan” to pay tribute to the most famous Chinese female heroines in the begging of the last century. Archaic Chinese cultures express many positive meanings as “Swan”: Homesick, Loyalty to friendship, the people who has lofty ideals. “heart of Swan” would be the third.
People always said, “Heroes are born in troubled times”. The unique historical background gave birth to heroes, nobody could really change an era, heroes just or people as such were in need in this era. At the start of the last century, many Chinese young people from different fields in the country or abroad tried to save their nation from this decline of form of government and culture, Qing Dynasty. The Hsinhai Revolution of 1911 ended more than 2000 years of imperial rule in the country, the Republic of China was founded in 1912 (ROC was located on the Chinese mainland until 1949, it is still currently governs in Taiwan), However, since it’s founding, foreign powers stresses, warlord general’s struggle, Japanese war, Civil war, and many tribulations made the history of ROC extremely difficult and unforgettable.
At the beginning of modern Chinese history, women used their wisdom , independent attitude to change this society. Most of them had well educated backgrounds based in Europe or abroad in general. Which made them in many ways more open mined and independent. They tried their best to absorb western culture and it’s positives of thinking and liberation of women from the old way of thinking. Yet at the same time they did not abandon their traditional ways, after all the culture that a person grows up in heavily influenced their way of thinking, personality and so form. They led a more free life than the generation before, with many new opportunities which came to them as a result of education, new ideas. Among of these heroines in the era, some of them dedicated for the revolution, some of them changed the political situation, some of them influenced the whole world, some of them created enduring art pieces. They are the flowers to decorated the difficult histories, they are the real icons of Chinese paladin spirit in real life. Somehow it is a pity you could find many woman like these in modern time anymore, but they are always the most elegant and intelligent eastern women figure for me: Body of woman, heart of swan.
Swan top by Luciano Soprani Vintage
Necklace from Boticca
Belt by Alaia
Skirt from my childhood
Flats by Topshop
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| People think this is me, but I like to call it a reflection of my inner mood at that moment. |
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| Berlin Summer ! |
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| Belt Close Up – Green on Brown Leather with White Stitching. |
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| Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon by Ang Lee |
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Chow Ken(1875-1907) She was a Chinese revolutionary, feminist and writer. She was executed after a failed uprising against the Qing Dynasty. She is considered a heroine in China. |
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| Soong Ching-ling (1893 – 1981), also known as Madame Sun Yat-sen The Soong Sisters were three Hainan Chinese women who were, along with their husbands, amongst China’s most significant political figures of the early 20th century. They each played a major role in influencing their husbands, which, along with their own positions of power, ultimately changed the course of Chinese history. |
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Soong Mei-ling, also known as Madame Chiang (1898-2003) Mei-Ling was a First Lady of the Republic of China (ROC), the wife of Generalissimo and President Chiang Kai-shek. The youngest of the three Soong sisters, she played a prominent role in the politics of the Republic of China and was the sister-in-law of Sun Yat-sen, the leader of the Republic of China preceding her husband. |
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Lin Huiyin( 1904-1955) Lin was a noted 20th century Chinese architect and writer. She is said to be the first female architect in China. She wrote poems, essays, short stories and plays. Many of her works were praised for its subtlety, beauty, and creativity. With her husband she wrote a book named History of Chinese Architecture. |
Michelleesque
Oh my goodness, I absolutely love that print on your dress and your belt!
Michelle
http://www.michelleesque.com
Ánderix
You always share such inspiring stories and bits of history, I find it very interesting to read your blog, and all that background makes your beautiful outfits even more beautiful.
You look stunning!
OtherMix
You look great! The dress is absolutely lovely!
And if your drawing is a reflection of your inner mood you must seem very happy or content! If you are, I bet it would be a real peace of mind!
Xiaoxi Zhang
Thank you! Summer vibe gives me a relaxing and sociable mood. =)
Naomi at The Occasional Indulgence
I love your illustrations of your outfits. The blouse is so pretty.
Mani
It’s one thing to have beautiful outfits, but I always love reading the inspirations behind them on your blog! You look so elegant by the way, the swan top is just amazing.
Saint Anarchist
Very Inspiring
Sound of Chic
Gorgeous top. Was hoping I could buy it somewhere!
crazylady
This is very beautiful! I found your blog and beautiful work on Deviant!
Joana
You truly are one of my favourite bloggers, now. Your interest in History and your knowledge of it make you a really special blogger, because you don’t just post pictures of yourself and repeatedly talk about your clothes. You truly are a complete blogger, with your illustrations, which are really charming, I must say, and your inspirations. You have interests in more than just your appearance. You care about culture and future lies within cultured minds. Besides, your face is terribly sweet and you seem to be really nice. Keep up with your amazing work, I hope life has wonderful surprises for you.