Modern Hanfu Drawing & Cosplay - Restore the Tang Dynasty

The Tang Dynasty (from 618 to 907) was extremely important in the history of China. Many Chinese TV dramas and movies have been filmed with the Tang Dynasty as the background.

We have introduced the costume culture of the Tang Dynasty before, today we will show you the beautiful makeup and the history of the rise and fall of the Tang Dynasty through the Hanfu drawing of illustrator @Yucha Guozi (御茶菓子) and the Hanfu model @Zhende Caicai (真的菜菜), present the stunning makeup and the history of the rise and fall of the Tang Dynasty, and feel the aesthetic spirit of the Tang Dynasty which is diverse, confident and inclusive.

Early Tang dynasty: the first year of Wude: 618 AD (武德元年)

Narrow-sleeved short garments were popular in the early Tang dynasty. The picture shows a double-bun maid, wearing a shawl collar, a half-sleeved garment with a long skirt, and a skinny shape.

Gaozong period of the Tang Dynasty: 628-683 AD (高宗时期)

Next is a "woman in men's clothing", during the Tang dynasty, women often wore men's clothing. This is because during the period of Gaozong, society gradually became more elegant and open, and the body shape that was favored shifted from thin and slim to more upright.

And look at this "Weimao (帷帽) lady". During the Tang Dynasty, women liked to wear Weimao when traveling, but during the Gao Zong period, the Weimao became shorter and shorter, making it look very fairy-like.

Wu Zhou period: 690-705 AD (武周时期)

By the time of Empress Wu Zetian, the Wu Zhou period espoused confidence and uprightness and was the most relaxed and confident period for women in the Tang Dynasty. Dare to show off your figure and the decoration gradually moves towards opulence.

Characteristic: Lower collar, long skirt sleeves, with roughly shaped, dispersed eyebrows, with painted Huadian (花钿). The face will be painted with Xiehong (斜红) and Mianye (面靥).

In addition, the art of music and dance in the Tang dynasty was colorful, and the next shape is from a Tang-painted dancing figurine. Isn't it beautiful?

Zhongzong period: 705-710 AD (中宗时期)

During the Tang Dynasty, the wearing of a pseudo-bun, called "Yi bun (义髻)", was popular. The next one is to wear the "Yi bun" look.

Pre-Middle Tang: 762-805 AD

This "lotus-flower crowned lady" is from the early Middle Tang Dynasty. After the Tianbao period, cicada temples (蝉鬓) were popular. Gathered hair at the back of the head, and wears a lotus flower crown and with a Qixiong shirt skirt.

Late Tang Dynasty: 875-907 AD

The "Dunhuang Gongyangren (供养人)" that follows is modeled after the Gongyangren in Cave 9 at Mogao Caves. The graceful noblewoman, dressed in a gorgeous long trailing skirt, with a high bun and flower hairpin in her hair, but it was already late in the Tang Dynasty, which had tended to fall apart.

Gongyangren statues, people whose religion financed the painting or building of icons and the excavation of caves. The portraits of oneself, one's family, relatives, and servants, etc. are painted or carved in the corners or sides of religious paintings or statues in order to show piety, remember virtues, and perpetuate one's fame for posterity.

During the late Tang dynasty, ladies' costumes became increasingly broad, with large sleeves and long skirts trailing the floor.

With the passing of the prosperous Tang dynasty, last styling: the head combed with a Zhui bun (椎髻), black lips, and painted blood halo under the eyes. The sad makeup reflects the decline of the country.

Chinese traditional culture has a long history and is rich in content, which is an endless treasure trove of inspiration for designers. Illustrator Yucha Guozi's work, for example, is not only a restoration of the Tang Dynasty. It also provides a reference for the development of today's beauty dressing.

More about Hanfu drawing, Tang dynasty makeup, and modern Hanfu style can be found here.