The recent discussion on 'appearance anxiety' reminds me of the Tang Dynasty, a period that might offer some inspiration for those struggling with such concerns today. The Tang Dynasty was renowned for its inclusivity and openness, setting what could be considered the 'international beauty standard' of its time.
Contrary to the common misconception that Tang women were simply 'plump,' their beauty was more about robust health and fullness. From the slender figures of the early Tang to the more voluptuous forms of its peak, ancient artworks depict a diverse range of body types, showcasing a true celebration of variety.
Historical records, like the 'New Book of Tang: Biographies of Imperial Princesses,' describe figures such as Princess Taiping and Empress Wu Zetian with 'broad foreheads and wide cheeks'—features that starkly contrast with today's mainstream beauty ideals. Modern preferences lean towards narrow foreheads, low hairlines, large round eyes, and small faces, often labeling broader features as less desirable.
Yet, the Tang aesthetic was rooted in health and confidence, where natural, unforced beauty reflected the dynasty's prosperity. Dunhuang murals further illustrate this, portraying female donors with double chins, visible neck lines, rounded faces, and even slight bellies—features that, while differing from Western ideals of sharp angles and tall slimness, exude a unique charm and grace.
In that era, beauty standards were more organic, with fewer people striving for extreme thinness, leading to a healthier, more accepted diversity in appearance. Today, under the influence of modern capitalism and consumerism, both men and women face increasing appearance anxieties, often straying from traditional Chinese aesthetics towards more extreme and less healthy ideals.
Men are pressured to appear delicate rather than strong, while women are pushed towards ever - smaller facial features. This shift has sparked a growing desire among audiences for more individuality and less conformity in beauty standards.
It's essential to blend contemporary aesthetics with traditional values, allowing ancient beauty ideals to inspire modern confidence. Everyone's journey is unique, and embracing one's natural features can lead to a more confident and serene existence. Chinese culture inherently possesses the depth and legitimacy to lead global beauty trends—why not rediscover the confidence embedded in our ancestral aesthetics?
