The Humanistic Expression of the Imagery of Flying Apsaras from Dunhuang in Contemporary Fashion Design

Abstract

As a spiritual symbol and cultural emblem of ancient Chinese art, the Flying Apsaras (飞天) of Dunhuang encapsulate a synthesis of religious faith, aesthetic pursuit, and humanistic spirit. Centering on the artistic imagery of the Dunhuang Flying Apsaras, this paper explores its humanistic expression and spiritual continuity in contemporary fashion design from the perspective of cultural aesthetics. Employing methods of literature analysis and semiotic interpretation, the study systematically examines the religious symbolism, morphological language, and aesthetic philosophy embodied in Feitian art, revealing its transformation from religiosity to secularity and from divinity to humanism throughout history. The research argues that the aesthetic features embedded in the Flying Apsaras—such as the Aesthetics of Motion (动势美), Ethereal Artistic Conception (空灵意境), and the awakening of feminine spirituality—provide significant inspiration for contemporary designers to reconstruct Eastern Aesthetics and cultural confidence. Furthermore, this paper elucidates the contemporary pathways through which the Imagery of Flying Apsaras is visually translated and reinterpreted in modern design, emphasizing its practical value in bridging traditional art and modern fashion innovation. Ultimately, this study seeks to offer a new theoretical perspective and design approach for the creative transformation and cultural regeneration of traditional art in the modern era.