The history of Ronghua(Velvet flowers)
Ronghua(Velvet flowers), primarily handcrafted from silk, since the Tang Dynasty over 1100 years ago, hold the essence of "prosperity and splendor."
During the Tang era, they were favored by the royal court, esteemed as tributes symbolizing abundance and opulence. Their use for adornment not only signaled elevated social status but also reflected an unwavering pursuit of beauty.
By the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, approximately 400 years ago, Ronghua(Velvet flowers) began infiltrating daily life among the populace. Sprawling "flower market streets" emerged, bustling with vendors specializing in these age-old decorations. This cherished tradition garnered admiration not only from palace beauties but also from common folks.
During the reigns of Kangxi and Qianlong, around 300 years ago, Ronghua(Velvet flowers) flourished. Their intricate craftsmanship rivaled real blooms, enduring the test of time. Harmonizing with the homophone "prosperity and splendor," Ronghua(Velvet flowers) conveyed auspicious blessings, hence their widespread usage and reverence during that era.
The exquisiteness of Ronghua(Velvet flowers), particularly those adorning empresses and consorts, with blossoms blooming alongside hair buns, evoked splendor. Empress Fucha favored purple Ronghua(Velvet flowers), often depicting chrysanthemum motifs. In ancient China, purple signified eminent status, aligning perfectly with Fucha's reserved and virtuous demeanor. Historical records depict Empress Fucha preferring "everyday wear of Ronghua(Velvet flowers) rather than ostentatious jewels."
Today, Ronghua(Velvet flowers) seamlessly merge with contemporary fashion elements, ushering in a new era of inheritance and evolution. Collaborations with luxury brands like Hermès and LV perfumes further underscore their unique status in the realm of decorative arts.
Modern Chinese newlyweds also favor using Ronghua(Velvet flowers) accessories that blend fashion elements as wedding adornments. These accessories are even worn in daily life, exuding both style and elegance, delighting the beholder's eye.
The history of Ronghua(Velvet flowers) spans across royalty and commoners, blending antiquity with modernity, embodying an ever-changing tapestry of time. More than mere adornments, they symbolize a cultural legacy, bearing the imprints of bygone eras and the vicissitudes of time.
