A Study of Design Concepts in Artificers Record

Abstract

Artificers Record is an important part of the Confucian classic Zhou Li and the earliest extant Chinese document on handicraft technology. It encompasses various categories and has a wide range of disciplines, especially rich in design and artistic thoughts. Currently, there is an incomplete condensation and generalization of the design theory of this book, and a lack of research on the linkage between Chinese and Western, ancient and modern design history. Through consulting Artificers Record and a large number of literature, this paper summarizes three fundamental design concepts that run through the entire book: Following Nature, Using Fine Materials and Skilled Craftsmanship, and People Oriented. Finally, combining with the current status of industrial design and exemplifying some mainstream design concepts, this paper explores and reflects on the deep-level resonance of thought consciousness spanning millennia.