Exchange of Presents:The Name and Nature of Chinese Red from the Perspective of Anthropology of Art

Chinese red refers to a key visual symbol of the multiethnic Chinese nation. From naming to local color preference, the visual experience accumulation in Chinese red lies not just in the solitary and fossilized historical relics, but in a ceaseless and dynamic process of formation, recognition, conversion and transmission. Moreover, the symbolic constitution and ethnic identi cation of Chinese red exempli es historical accomplishments in local exchanges of artifacts, technologies, systems, and outlooks with foreign partners. Therefore, as part of the country’s cultural heritage, Chinese red also encompasses two aspects, cultural integration based on its identification and artistic productivity with a focus on di erentiation.