Chinese Artistic Heritage and Craft through Artificial Intelligence: Cultural Identity and Design Innovation in the Midjourney Era

Abstract

This study investigates how generative artificial intelligence (AI), particularly the Midjourney platform, contributes to the reinterpretation of Chinese artistic heritage and its implications for contemporary design innovation. Drawing on examples from traditional cultural forms—including Qiang embroidery, Dunhuang Feitian imagery, and classical Chinese ink-wash painting—the research explores how AI-assisted design mediates between historical cultural symbolism and contemporary creative production. A qualitative case study methodology was employed, integrating three sources of evidence: analysis of AI-generated visual outputs, documentary examination of Chinese artistic traditions, and semi-structured interviews with five Chinese digital designers who actively use generative AI tools in their creative practices. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns in the reinterpretation of cultural motifs. The findings reveal four key mechanisms through which AI facilitates cultural reinterpretation: symbolic abstraction, aesthetic fusion, cultural storytelling, and algorithmic co-creation. These mechanisms demonstrate how generative AI systems translate traditional visual symbols into new aesthetic forms while maintaining elements of cultural meaning and emotional resonance. At the same time, the results highlight emerging debates regarding authorship, cultural authenticity, and ethical responsibility in AI-assisted creative production. The study contributes to the growing literature on AI-assisted creativity and digital heritage by conceptualizing generative AI as a cultural mediator that enables reinterpretation of traditional artistic identity within contemporary digital design environments. The findings also provide insights for design education and creative industries seeking to integrate generative technologies while preserving cultural heritage.