Creation of Bronze Statues with Protruding Eyes at Sanxingdui Museum, Guanghan City, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China

Abstract

          This research article aims to explore the visual characteristics and beliefs associated with Protruding Eyes and to develop creative products inspired by them at the Sanxingdui Museum. The study employs qualitative research methods and document analysis, focusing on the Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan City, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China. The data sources consist of two main groups: 1) Primary informants, including museum staff, experts in history and culture, media representatives both within and outside the museum, youth, and tourists, totaling 46 individuals; and 2) A creative product development group comprising 5 teams—tourism officials, designers, planners and policymakers, marketing personnel, and artists—totaling 13 participants. The conceptual framework utilized in this study encompasses creativity and product development. The findings reveal that the visual characteristics and beliefs surrounding Protruding Eyes can be categorized into two distinct types. The first type features prominent eyes, large ears, a broad smile, and a large face and head, while the second type presents a nose that extends to a high, upward-curving crest, with a smaller face and head compared to the first type. It was also found that Protruding Eyes embody beliefs that connect to the spiritual and natural worlds. The large ears symbolize the ability to hear and comprehend the myriad stories of existence, while the smile reflects inner happiness. The nose's upward extension signifies respect for nature. Additionally, the study outlines the development of five creative souvenir products inspired by Protruding Eyes: a miniature doll, a keychain, a lapel pin, a phone grip ring, and a T-shirt featuring Protruding Eyes designs.