Shape Grammar-Based Design of Zhuang Bronze Drum Patterns for Cultural and Creative Applications

This study explores the bronze drum patterns from the traditional culture of the Zhuang ethnic group. It focuses on how these patterns can be translated into contemporary cultural and creative product design. The bronze drum is an important cultural symbol for the Zhuang people. Its pattern system reflects beliefs in nature, totemic traditions, and a unique visual language shaped by historical contexts. Using shape grammar theory, this study deconstructs the original pattern units of the bronze drum. Based on this, a rule system is established, leading to the creation of a graphic generation model suitable for cultural and creative design. The research is carried out in four stages: first, extracting representative cultural symbols based on literature analysis and a public perception survey; second, defining a shape rule system based on these symbols; third, exploring pattern evolution using the established rules; and fourth, applying the generated graphics to cultural and creative design practices and validating their effectiveness. The results show that shape grammar offers strong potential for visually translating intangible cultural heritage into modern design contexts. This study aims to rebuild the structure of traditional pattern language and achieve its new expression in contemporary settings. It provides a methodological reference for the innovative translation of regional cultural resources.