Sanxingdui Pattern Symbols in China: Visualisation Analysis with VOSviewer and CiteSpace

As an integral component of China's pre-Qin cultural system, the Sanxingdui culture is renowned for its diverse and intricately shaped pattern symbols that interconnect.While extant literature predominantly explores these symbols from archaeological and historical standpoints, a significant academic gap persists regarding the bibliometric visualization of their deeper semantics.This study innovatively employs VOSviewer and CiteSpace to analyze 243 Sanxingdui documents categorized under 'pattern symbols' and 'design' from the China Knowledge Network Database (CNKI).The research fills this gap and offers a novel approach to understanding the semantic evolution and internal correlations of Sanxingdui's pattern symbols.The findings reveal that these symbols encapsulate social order, nature worship, power dynamics, and a profound comprehension of deities and the cosmos.Their semantics have transitioned from purely religious functions to encompassing complex social symbols, presenting substantial potential for modern design and global communication.Digital technology has expanded its global reach in recent years, exemplified by the exhibition Encounter Sanxingdui-12K Micro-View of National Treasures Global Tour, which presented Sanxingdui culture through immersive VR experiences.Moreover, Sanxingdui elements have been creatively integrated into contemporary artistic and cultural expressions, such as the film Ne Zha 2, where its bronzeware appears as Barrier Beast, highlighting its continued influence in modern visual culture.By leveraging bibliometric visualization tools, this study establishes a theoretical framework for quantitative analysis of traditional culture, offering new research pathways for the cultural and creative industries.It bridges the gap between theory and practice.It provides methodological support for the digital preservation and innovative development of cultural heritage, fostering the integration of traditional symbols into contemporary design and cultural industries while promoting cultural diversity and global exchange.