Group 1 - The history of Chinese gardens dates back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties, evolving from "囿" to "苑囿" during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, incorporating more scenic elements [1] - The peak of garden art was reached during the Ming and Qing dynasties, characterized by grand imperial gardens and intricate private gardens, with theoretical works like "园冶" and "长物志" marking the maturity of Chinese garden art [1] - Chinese gardens uniquely blend nature with culture and philosophy, standing out in global landscaping practices [1] Group 2 - Couplets in gardens reflect cultural origins and the sentiments of ancient scholars, with examples from Suzhou's gardens showcasing the emotional and aesthetic depth of the landscapes [2] - The aesthetic standards of Chinese gardens are deeply rooted in cultural practices, contrasting with Western gardens that favor geometric symmetry; Chinese gardens utilize winding paths and scattered pavilions to create subtle Eastern aesthetics [2] - The philosophy of "though made by man, it seems to arise from nature" highlights the artistic approach in Chinese garden design, emphasizing the beauty of incompleteness [2] Group 3 - Gardens serve as both a retreat from the world and a metaphor for societal engagement, with each landscape representing moral character [3] - The modern desire for "poetic dwelling" persists, as people incorporate contemporary techniques to mimic traditional garden elements, reflecting a return to "slow living" amidst a fast-paced lifestyle [3]

Group 1 - The history of Chinese gardens dates back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties, evolving from "囿" to "苑囿" during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, incorporating more scenic elements [1] - The peak of garden art was reached during the Ming and Qing dynasties, characterized by grand imperial gardens and intricate private gardens, with theoretical works like "园冶" and "长物志" marking the maturity of Chinese garden art [1] - Chinese gardens uniquely blend nature with culture and philosophy, standing out in global landscaping practices [1] Group 2 - Couplets in gardens reflect cultural origins and the sentiments of ancient scholars, with examples from Suzhou's gardens showcasing the emotional and aesthetic depth of the landscapes [2] - The aesthetic standards of Chinese gardens are deeply rooted in cultural practices, contrasting with Western gardens that favor geometric symmetry; Chinese gardens utilize winding paths and scattered pavilions to create subtle Eastern aesthetics [2] - The philosophy of "though made by man, it seems to arise from nature" highlights the artistic approach in Chinese garden design, emphasizing the beauty of incompleteness [2] Group 3 - Gardens serve as both a retreat from the world and a metaphor for societal engagement, with each landscape representing moral character [3] - The modern desire for "poetic dwelling" persists, as people incorporate contemporary techniques into traditional garden designs, reflecting a return to "slow living" amidst a fast-paced lifestyle [3]

Group 1: Aesthetic in Daily Objects - The aesthetic system of Song Dynasty scholars is exemplified by everyday items like the natural texture of a Xu inkstone and the flexible brush tips, which reflect a harmonious design and seasonal changes [2] - Modern home aesthetics often begin with subtle details, such as the rustic texture of a ceramic mug or the warmth of handwoven linen, emphasizing the stories and craftsmanship behind objects [2] - Cultivating aesthetic perception requires ongoing practice, such as organizing tableware by material or creating visual rhythms on bookshelves, which helps reconstruct visual recognition systems [2] Group 2: Aesthetic Reconstruction in Rituals - The Japanese tea ceremony elevates daily tea drinking into a spiritual ritual, emphasizing simplicity and authenticity through deliberate imperfections [3] - Modern life can benefit from creating aesthetic rituals, such as specific routines for opening curtains or setting dinner tables, which add rhythm to daily life [3] - The essence of rituals lies in deepened perception, where engaging all senses transforms mundane tasks into aesthetic experiences [3] Group 3: Poetic Living in Secular Life - Traditional Chinese scholars excelled at creating poetic spaces within the mundane, suggesting that even small urban spaces can be transformed into aesthetic environments [4] - Observing nature enhances aesthetic sensitivity, as natural phenomena can inspire artistic creativity and appreciation [4] - Consumer choices reflect aesthetic literacy, where selecting items based on their natural forms and textures transcends mere functionality and price considerations [4] Group 4: Art's Connection to Everyday Life - The urban landscape of Shanghai illustrates that art is intertwined with daily life, manifesting in various forms from public spaces to personal routines [5] - The ultimate goal of enhancing artistic appreciation is to enable ordinary individuals to connect poetically with the world, transforming overlooked details into a cohesive aesthetic experience [5]