Yuanyuan Tang

Facial expressions are central to conveying emotions and psychological depth in art, and in Chinese figure painting, this role is especially pronounced. Unlike Western portraiture, which often prioritizes physical likeness, Chinese figure painting focuses on capturing the "spirit"and inner emotional world of the subject. This paper explores how facial expressions in Chinese figure painting have been employed to express a wide range of emotions—from joy and sorrow to anger and peace. It examines both traditional techniques and modern innovations, analyzing how artists have used facial features to reflect the cultural, philosophical, and psychological underpinnings of Chinese society. Drawing on examples from different historical periods, this study traces the evolution of facial expression techniques, from the meticulous renderings in imperial court paintings to the more expressive styles in modern revolutionary art. The paper argues that facial expressions are not merely artistic devices, but cultural symbols that reveal deeper emotional truths, shaped by Confucian values, Buddhist influences, and the ever-evolving socio-political landscape of China. By analyzing both the artistic techniques and symbolic meanings of facial expressions, this paper offers a comprehensive understanding of their role in emotional communication in Chinese figure painting.

Chinese figure painting; facial expressions; emotional expression

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