Inheritance of Traditional Family Values: A Comparative Study of Family Ancestral Shrines and Related Paintings of Lee Family

Abstract

Apart from providing a haven, a home serves also as a place where people can develop their personalities and temperaments. Traditions within families are an often-unseen force that has a profound effect on people. In this article, the authors explore the meaning and value of family traditional inheritance in the current context and what manifestations may occur. After reviewing the history and characteristics of ancestral shrines, this study further examined the forms of expression used to express “home” and “family traditions” from the creator’s perspective. A conceptual framework is provided for subsequent case studies. Considering the role and importance of different creations in the transmitting of family traditions, a family memorial hall named “Qiyun Residence” and a series of paintings called “Home: Sweet Home” were created by members of this family to analyze and interpret family traditions. The importance of family traditions cannot be overstated, but they must be appropriately expressed. It is our aim that the examples presented in this article show how “Traditional” can be transferred to “Modernity” for the sustainability of culture.