Masterpieces Of Chinese Painting 700 1900

Over thousands of years, the art of Chinese painting has evolved, while also staying loyal to its traditional roots. This volume highlights 50 Chinese paintings, pulled from museum collections in China and around the world, that are representative of the categories, historical periods, and styles of this artistic tradition.

"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.

"This fascinating book guides the reader through the details of the scroll's dating, authorship and provenance, explaining how the painting relates to Gu Kaizhi and reflects his artistic genius. New photography brings this delicate and rarely exhibited work to life, scene by scene. The author also explores the scroll's calligraphy, its history over many dynasties as it passed through the hands of collectors and connoisseurs, and its iconic status in the modern world."--Jacket

This publication catalogue focuses on twelve masterpieces of Chinese landscape and figure paintings. An essay by Wen C. Fong presents an in-depth stylistic analysis and contextual history of the famed Riverbank; a detailed physical analysis is also included. An extended essay by Maxwell K. Hearn examines all twelve major paintings in the book, which range in date from the tenth to the early eighteenth century. -- Metropolitan Museum of Art website.