Monday, December 15, 2014

Introduction


The Art of Imperial China

Wu Zhen; Fisherman (Yuan Dynasty)

 

Art History

     Chinese art is mostly associated with landscapes and "bird-and-flower" paintings. The Imperial Age of China perfected both color painting and color printing, but some artists, such as those of the Shanghai School, focused on paying homage to traditional techniques. Calligraphy, the art of writing, was also prominent in Chinese art, and in the Imperial Age scholars turned to ancient writings for inspiration in their calligraphy.
        
Zhao Mengfu: Autumn Colors on the Que and Hua Mountains

       
Deng Shiru (Qing Dynasty)

  
       The start of the Imperial Age introduced porcelain. It was refined to such perfection that today the term for high-quality porcelain in the west is referred to as "china" in English.

明永樂-青花四季花卉紋洗
        As art, in the multiple forms it took through the Imperial Age, progressed through the Yuan to the Ming Dynasty, the common themes of rich landscapes, high-quality craftsmanship, and hints of both Buddhist and Taoist influence throughout the ages was prominent.

Popular Chinese Art Pieces

Wang Hui: Peach Blossom, Fishing Boat
 
磁胎洋彩官釉金花葫蘆轉旋瓶


        
Ni Zan; Sorrow While Traveling (Yuan Dynasty)

 
Wu Li; Green Mountains and White Clouds (Qing Dynasty)

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