故宫瑞兽文化研究

On the Propitious Animals in the Forbidden City

瑞兽即具有祥瑞征兆的动物。故宫在历史上是明清帝王执政及生活场所,有着不同类型的瑞兽,它们或为紫禁城护卫的象征,或为帝王的宠物,或为帝王美好愿望的反映。本研究以太和门前的铜狮、御花园的铜跪象、储秀宫前的铜鹿、故宫猫、故宫御犬等瑞兽为例,基于故宫丰富的历史,探讨故宫瑞兽的历史渊源,解读它们与帝王之间存在的不解之缘,揭示它们的文化寓意。

Propitious animals symbolize good luck.The Forbidden City is the place where emperors in Ming and Qing Dynasties live and reign over the country in history.There are sorts of propitious animals which were symbols of city guards,pets or good wishes of emperors.This research takes the copper sculptures of lions in front of Taihe Gate,coppery kneeling elephants in the imperial garden,coppery deers in front of Chuxiu Palace,cats,dogs etc as case studies.Based on abundant history of the Forbidden City,this paper explores the historic origins of propitious animals in the Forbidden City,interprets the close ties between the animals and the emperors and their cultural connotation.