Research on the Difference between Pasturing and Metallurgical Casting: An Analysis of the Cultural Similarity and Difference between Yuan Mu and Yuan Ye

This paper takes Cao Yuanfu’s suggestion of changing from Yuan Mu to Yuan Ye as a starting point, analyzes the connotations of pasturing and metallurgical casting, and combines the text of Yuan Ye to study their meanings in the context of gardening. It explores the similarities and differences between them, speculates on the reasons for changing pasturing to metallurgical casting: on the one hand, both pasturing and metallurgical casting, following the Tao of nature, contain meanings of change, artificiality, innovation, rules styles, cultivation, etc., with possibilities of change. On the other hand, pasturing focuses on nurturing life, emphasizes natural growth and inaction, and follows a growth pattern; metallurgical casting focuses on creating objects, emphasizing artificiality and creativity, following a generative model. There are essential differences between them, but the pioneering, innovative, integrated, and unique regional cultural characteristics of Wu Ye make it possible to replace pasturing with metallurgical casting. Cao Yuanfu’s outstanding insights and Ji Cheng’s flexible strategies led to the change from Yuan Mu to Yuan Ye.