Ⅰ. What is Cloud Pattern?

Cloud pattern is a decorative motif in the shape of clouds, commonly used in ancient Chinese auspicious designs. It symbolizes elevation and good fortune, and has a wide range of applications. In the field of dyeing and printing, the term refers to a pattern where different shades transition naturally.
Cloud patterns typically feature a smooth transition from light to dark or vice versa, and sometimes they radiate outward from the center. These patterns often use one or more colors in varying shades, creating a sense of depth and vivid realism.

The design of cloud patterns has evolved throughout history, reflecting the distinct characteristics of different periods. As a result, Chinese cloud patterns display a rich and profound artistry, filled with endless charm.

Ⅱ. The Evolution of Cloud Patterns

1. Early Stage

The primitive spiral patterns on painted pottery are typical examples of abstract geometric designs. Some scholars believe these may represent early forms of cloud patterns. As remnants of ancient culture, it’s still uncertain whether these early designs had any symbolic connection to “clouds.” However, cloud and thunder patterns, commonly found in the decorations of Shang and Zhou bronze vessels, are generally regarded as the early forms of cloud patterns. These cloud-thunder designs hold significant importance in the history of cloud pattern development.

2. Flourishing Period

The Han Dynasty was one of the most significant periods for the use of cloud patterns in China, marked by a wide range of cloud patterns and vivid designs. During this time, new forms of cloud patterns emerged, including cloud gas patterns, swirling cloud patterns, and cloud beast patterns. Building upon the earlier cloud-thunder designs, the swirling cloud patterns were created by simplifying the original design elements and breaking up the structural patterns. This led to the establishment of a distinct form, with the simplified swirling lines becoming a widely adopted and standardized element in the evolution of cloud patterns.

Building upon the swirling cloud patterns, the Han Dynasty introduced the highly distinctive cloud gas patterns. In addition to the main swirling shape, cloud gas patterns incorporated a new element, the “cloud tail.” This addition strengthened the sense of force and speed in the design, enhancing the unique grandeur of the Han-era cloud gas patterns.

The flowing energy and vibrant power of the Han cloud gas patterns continued to be present in the cloud patterns of the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties. As one of the most expressive and simplified interpretations of Chinese cloud patterns, the flowing cloud design took the trend of “simplification” that started with the cloud-thunder patterns to its extreme. This made the decorative space of the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties appear dynamic and lively, filled with an overwhelming sense of movement and energy.

3. Mature Period

The Sui and Tang Dynasties marked the peak of the cloud pattern’s popularity.

During the Song Dynasty, the cloud patterns remained in the form of the traditional “cloud blossom” shape. From the Tang and Song periods onward, as decorative elements evolved to meet the aesthetic demands of the times, the structure of the cloud blossom pattern became increasingly complex and burdened.

In the Yuan Dynasty, the structural elements became more pronounced. As part of the transformation of the cloud blossom shape, the stacked cloud pattern emerged as a form that expanded into a surface, featuring a grand, intricate style. It typically consisted of layers of dense swirling cloud heads combined with flowing, winding, and smooth lines that formed the cloud body.

Within the Chinese cloud pattern system, the “Ru Yi” cloud pattern is the most abstract, universally recognized, and widely applied type. The overall evolution of the cloud pattern has seen its structure become more complex, its shapes more substantial, and its images more refined. This development can be summarized as a trend toward sophistication, reflecting the continuous efforts of the Chinese people to satisfy their aesthetic needs.

Ⅲ. Branches of Cloud Patterns

The ancients created various cloud-related decorative patterns, which can be classified based on their shapes, such as single-forked cloud (单岐云), double-forked cloud (双岐云), triple-forked cloud (三岐云), swirling cloud (勾云纹), cloud blossom (朵云纹), cloud-water pattern (云水纹), floating cloud (留云纹), and trident cloud (三叉云等), often combined with dragons, phoenixes, auspicious animals, and images of deities or Buddhas. As auxiliary decorations, these patterns were applied to jade, bronze, porcelain, architecture, and more. People also painted auspicious clouds on clothing, jade pendants, and sculptures to symbolize good wishes. Typically, the auspicious clouds on skirts and robes are in five colors, representing the hope for abundant harvests and peace for the country and its people.

Ⅳ. Cloud Patterns in Cultural Relics

Cloud patterns are one of the typical and vibrant decorative motifs in China, widely used in ancient architecture, carvings, clothing, tools, and various crafts. These patterns vary, ranging from highly abstract geometric shapes to lively and realistic natural forms. Ancient people, through their long practice of gathering and farming, developed a sense of anticipation and reverence for the influence of clouds and rain on harvests. As a result, clouds were elevated and abstracted in their cultural significance, fostering a sense of worship and awe.

Summary

“Cloud patterns” are one of the few decorative motifs that have been a constant presence throughout the development of Chinese patterns. They are among the most beloved decorative designs for thousands of years. Much like the ethereal and mysterious nature of clouds, cloud patterns may have been inspired by the sky that ancient people glimpsed while working, or perhaps by abstract patterns they unintentionally drew. Their creation is neither accidental nor overly complex or mystical. As a common natural phenomenon, clouds are associated with rising and growth, often seen as symbols of good fortune. Therefore, they were extended to represent prosperity and success, known as “auspicious clouds.” In ancient Chinese expressions such as “clouds steam and mist rises,” “rising to the blue sky,” and “lofty ambitions,” the auspicious meaning behind cloud patterns is clearly conveyed.

Some people have come up with a creative interpretation, capturing this image of a crane, which they believe represents an alternative evolution of the cloud pattern… Maybe this world is becoming a bit hard to understand