The Beauty of Caisson: The Application of Caisson Art in Modern Art And Design

Jiaxin Liu
Illustration (School of Graduate Studies)

About this Item

Title
The Beauty of Caisson: The Application of Caisson Art in Modern Art And Design
Contributor Names
Liu, Jiaxin (Author)
Reitschel, Barbara (Thesis advisor)
Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York. Illustration (Degree granting institution)
Date
2023
Degree Information
M.A. Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York 2023
Department: Illustration
Advisor: Barbara Reitschel
Committee member: Brendan Leach
Abstract
Caisson is the most luxurious dome-like part of a coffered ceiling in traditional Chinese architecture, sometimes referred to as a spider web ceiling. It is a sunken panel in the center of a dome. This paper aims to study the history of the caisson ceiling and discover its impact on modern Chinese decorations. This paper attempts to explain different kinds of caisson decorations and how contemporary designers use these architecture and mineral painting techniques as inspiration.
This thesis paper will investigate decorative elements, color, and philosophies in caisson ceilings and explore how the caisson influences modern art and design. An enormous caisson is made of wooden bricks. Artists decorate it with patterns, carvings and color paintings. The decoration on the top of the caisson is to ornament and protect the wood. The subject matters of caissons are mainly old tales, religious blessings, and expectations of Chinese people for a better life.
This paper will study the history and variations of caissons to understand the Chinese people’s pursuit of aesthetics and value, to explore its significance and influence on today’s art and design field.
Subject
Caissons
Architecture, Chinese
Design
Rights
In Copyright
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Identifier
FIT Repository ID: etd_000990
Type
Text
Thesis
Language
English

Citation

Liu, J. (2023). The Beauty of Caisson: The Application of Caisson Art in Modern Art And Design [Master's thesis, Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York]. FIT Institutional Repository. https://institutionalrepository.fitnyc.edu/item/179257
Liu, Jiaxin. The Beauty of Caisson: The Application of Caisson Art in Modern Art And Design. 2023. Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York, Master's thesis. FIT Digital Repository, https://institutionalrepository.fitnyc.edu/item/179257
Liu, Jiaxin. "The Beauty of Caisson: The Application of Caisson Art in Modern Art And Design." Master's thesis, Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York, 2023. https://institutionalrepository.fitnyc.edu/item/179257