"Together the text and illustrations gradually reveal many of the major themes and characteristics of Chinese painting. To "read" these works is to enter a dialogue with the past. Slowly perusing a scroll or album, one shares an intimate experience that has been repeated over the centuries. And it is through such readings that meaning is gradually revealed."--BOOK JACKET.
Applying a comparative approach to Chinese and Western art, this book examines the characteristics of traditional Chinese art and analyses the distinction between figure painting and portraiture. It examines the scenery in Chinese landscape painting and the sense of poetry within the paintings of flowers and birds so that the reader comes to understand the unique essence of Chinese art and is gradually led towards the ethereal world of spiritual abstraction displayed in Chinese painting. The author relates the development of Chinese painting to the pursuit of the conceptual sense (yijing) found in Chinese philosophy and classical literature. She describes how Confucianism determined the content of the development of painting while Daoism guided the concept of aestheticism within it. Professor Law also examines the way in which differences of method and media profoundly influenced the artistic outcome producing the western skills in the handling of color and light and shade, and in China the imaginative use of ink on paper. All this is reflected in numerous illustrations ranging from Van Gogh to the great Chinese painters of all the different dynasties from the early Jin dynasty to the Ming and Qing dynasties.After reading this book, readers will follow the author' s rich experience in Chinese painting to understand the characteristics of the different genres of Chinese painting and be able to deeply appreciate the inner meaning of Chinese painting.
An introduction to a millennium's worth of Chinese paintings features 400 classical works by more than 240 artists that represent their different historical periods, in a volume that offers insight into how Chinese art uniquely reflects cultural perspectives and the natural world.
Over thousands of years, the art of Chinese painting has evolved, while also staying loyal to its traditional roots. Despite various schools of thought, styles and techniques, three primary categories have emerged across the discipline: landscape, figure and bird-and-flower. Using fine ink and water brush strokes on paper or silk, Chinese artists have developed a unique style—one that's famous throughout the world.This book highlights 50 Chinese paintings, pulled from museum collections in China and around the world, including British Museum (London), Museum of Fine Arts (Boston), Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Kansas), Osaka City Museum of Art (Osaka), Palace Museum (Beijing), Palace Museum (Taibei) and Shanghai Museum. The paintings shown are representative of the categories, historical periods and styles of this artistic tradition.Detailed professional interpretations and notes allow readers to learn more about the pieces themselves, the artists and the context in which they were created. Plus, photo enlargements of key details get readers up close to these masterpieces.As one of the world's oldest continuous art forms, Chinese painting has a truly special history. This comprehensive guide allows modern readers to travel through time, experiencing important moments in Chinese history and society through beautiful pieces of artwork.
With fascinating commentary and beautiful artwork this Chinese art history book is allows Westerners to better understand traditional Chinese painting. Applying a comparative approach to Chinese and Western art, this art book examines the characteristics of traditional Chinese art and analyses the distinction between figure painting and portraiture. It examines the scenery in Chinese landscape painting and the sense of poetry within the paintings of flowers and birds so that the reader comes to understand the unique essence of Chinese art and is gradually led towards the evanescent world of spiritual abstraction displayed in Chinese painting. The development of Chinese painting is based upon the pursuit of the conceptual sense (yijing) found in traditional Chinese philosophy and classical literature. Confucianism determined the content of the development of painting and Daoism guided the concept of aestheticism within that development. In the history of Chinese art, every painter who made a contribution was also moral philosopher who sought the realms of the spirit. It would be no exaggeration to say that traditional Chinese painting is a "higher art" that has the functions of both civilizing the person and cultivating the mind. It is not simply a creation designed to satisfy the visual sense or to express individual emotion. It has always been harmonious, tranquil and restrained.
The secret language of Chinese landscape painting A genre dating back more than 1,000 years, China's landscape painting tradition reflects all of its cultural and intellectual history, and its representational language famously follows its own rules. What at first glance seem to be idyllic ink-wash pictures actually depict far more than romantic landscapes. Through subtle allusions and references, Chinese landscape painters were able to convey a whole range of messages, from social positions to political opposition, all the way to philosophical observations and very personal feelings. This splendid illustrated volume unlocks these codes and juxtaposes important historical works with landscape paintings by internationally renowned modern and contemporary artists. The dialogue between past and present reveals surprising links, but also ruptures and conflicts.
"Chinese Painters: A Critical Study" by Raphaël Petrucci is an art text that aims to educate readers on this often-overlooked part of art history. In the book, Petrucci talks about how art in China changed throughout the empire's history. From the introduction of Buddha to the dynasties, Chinese artists were highly influenced by societal and political shifts that occurred as history marched on for the nation.
Essential Terms of Chinese Painting provides a comprehensive coverage of the broad spectrum of Chinese painting. Through an array of some 900 terms, it exhibits the history of Chinese culture, as interpreted by artists and portrayed in their work. In masterful detail, it describes not only the artistic implements and drawing styles, but also how these are influenced by changing cultural considerations over time such as religion, philosophy, intellectual ideas, and political developments. From the broad view of how the change of dynasties affected painting trends in both format and subject, to the smallest detail of the methods used to paint different styles of tree branches, this is a full compendium of the scope and depth of artwork from China. This volume features twelve chapters which • explore all major areas of art including techniques, implements and materials, inscriptions and seals, painting and mounting formats for all categories including landscape, bird-and-flower, figure and auspicious paintings; • provide a helpful resource for readers to enjoy Chinese art with over 500 full-colour illustrations and pictures to further elaborate the terms discussed; • serve as an introduction to begin a true understanding of traditional Chinese painting.
