Recent promotional images from the drama 'Guo Se Fang Hua' have surfaced online, featuring actor Li Xian in a pink round - collar robe and a traditional Futou (幞头) headpiece. The bold choice of color has left netizens astonished, with many questioning whether men in the Tang Dynasty actually wore such vibrant shades of pink.
In traditional Chinese culture, the color 'pink' encompasses a wide spectrum of elegant names, such as 'Tao Yao' (桃夭, peach blossom), 'Yan Zhi' (胭脂, rouge), 'Bao Chun' (报春, herald of spring), 'Fei Se' (妃色, concubine's hue), and 'Su Mei' (苏梅, plum blossom). Unlike standardized Pantone colors, traditional Chinese hues vary in depth and tone, each carrying its own unique cultural significance.
Pink has long symbolized beauty and vitality in Chinese history. Ancient poets often used terms like 'Tao Hong' (桃红, peach red) or 'Tao Yao' to describe the radiant complexion of beautiful women. For instance, the line 'Tao Zhi Yao Yao, Zhuo Zhuo Qi Hua' (桃之夭夭，灼灼其华) from the 'Book of Songs' not only depicts blooming peach blossoms but also evokes an image of delicate yet vibrant charm.
Historical records and artifacts reveal that pink was a popular color in various dynasties. The Dunhuang Mogao Caves, dating back over a thousand years, feature murals with pink accents, such as the attire of a young girl in Cave 114, where pink adorns floral patterns on her black, green, and yellow robes. Similarly, Tang Dynasty paintings like 'Court Ladies Preparing Newly Woven Silk' and 'Lady Guo Guo's Spring Outing' showcase different shades of pink in fashion.
Even men in ancient China embraced pink. Works like Zhou Fang's 'Ladies Playing Double Sixes' and Ming Dynasty portraits depict male figures in pink garments, often paired with black or white to highlight their refined elegance. While some may find the choice 'flamboyant' by modern standards, it was considered a mark of sophistication and grace in its time.
From the Tang to the Song Dynasty, the trend of wearing light pink hues, known as 'Qing Hong Dan Bai' (轻红淡白, delicate red and faint white), became widespread among both men and women. The custom of wearing flowers in one's hair further complemented this fashion. Today, these historical styles continue to inspire awe, proving that pink—whether in ancient or modern times—remains a timeless statement of beauty.
