An Illustrated Brief History Of Chinese Arts And Crafts

The Chinese decorating art, in myriad media—bronze, ceramics, silk, embroidery, lacquer, jade, enamel, gold, and silver—and of carving and sculpture, is an ageless tradition of exquisite craftsmanship. Its evolution since ancient times was driven not only by the expanding use of materials available, but advances in technology. The understated elegance of Chinese aesthetics in arts and crafts, both functional and decorative, has in many ways influenced the development of the Chinese cultural identity, becoming emblematic of Chinese civilization in its worldwide dispersion. This concise history, complete and lucidly accessible, captures this millennia-old tradition, from the Neolithic Age to the late Qing when the last imperial reign unraveled, and the rise and evolution of its various forms, tracing the chronology of Chinese dynasties. Well researched and richly illustrated with more than 200 artefacts, it offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of Chinese aesthetics in the context of changing societies, reflecting the underlying qualities of the Chinese mind and a cultural heritage that endured uninterruptedly through millennia.

Chinese arts and crafts enjoy a unique reputation in the history of material culture and civilisation. For several thousand years, crafts have echoed the rhythm of daily life in China. From rural society to the imperial court, these crafts have served a practical purpose, constantly evolving with changes in lifestyle. In this illustrated introduction Hang Jian and Guo Qiuhui discuss the colorful history and development of distinctive Chinese crafts, including ceramics, furniture, clothing and decorative arts.

This illustrated Chinese history book takes the reader on a visual journey of the most brilliant and significant segments of Chinese civilization over the course of five thousand years. As a cradle of human civilization, China has maintained its cohesion and cultural identity for thousands of years. With China's historical evolution as a backdrop, each section focuses on the outstanding achievements of the period it covers and sets out the long-established and profound cultural development of the Chinese nation.

Also part of the Cultural China Series, this volume introduces the history and development of the traditional arts and crafts, and how these apply to many fields such as utensil, apparel, furnishings, adornment, entertainment, and commerce. Vivid color illustrations and photographs throughout.

A lavishly illustrated work covering the history of Chinese art from the Pre-Qin period to the early twentieth century in two volumes.

Arts of Japan is a classic and informative text that explores the rich cultural heritage and history of Japanese Art. This art history text examines the various influences that have shaped the course of Japanese art history in the fields of painting, sculpture, architecture, and handicrafts. Discussed with challenging insight are the impact of the various Indian and Chinese schools, the pervasive influence of Zen philosophy, and the many other artistic developments, giving the reader a well-rounded picture of the great significance and contribution of Japanese art. Special features of the book are sections on handicrafts and a chapter on prehistoric art. The book comes at a time when there is an awakened interest in Asian art throughout the world. In the past, due to linguistic barriers, political upheavals, and the limited number of specialists, misconceptions have been especially numerous in the field of Japanese art. The Arts of Japan admirably corrects these misinterpretations, consolidates the results of the most recent scholarship, and in one compact volume presents an up-to-date, authoritative survey of Japanese and throughout its long history and in all its colorful diversity.

This book, first published in 1981, provides a comprehensive appraisal of China’s crafts. Its historical approach and numerous illustrations not only reveal the ancient origins of many of China’s arts, but also offer the means for evaluating modern crafts in light of past achievements.