Ancient Chinese Art Forms Essay, Research Paper
Chinese art is known as one of the worlds oldest found art forms, with pieces
dating back to 1500 BC. There are many different mediums used in Chinese art,
such as sculpture, painting, and architecture. Sculptures were often mad of
jade, ivory, or glass. Sculpture flourished during the time of the Ming
(1368-1644) dynasty.
Although Chinese painting styles became very popular in the T?ang (618-906)
and Sung (960-1279) dynasties, the human form was often disregarded. Following
Taoist and Confucian ideas, people were left out so as not to ?intrude on the
orderly magnitude of nature.? Throughout the later Ming (1368-1644) dynasty,
the human figure and still life became more accepted and of greater importance.
* * *
Peach Vase
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong period (1736-1795).
This vase is a beautiful example of the Chinese?s use of ceramics with
laquers and enamels. This vase rivaled Western artist?s achievements in oil
paints with highly advanced opaque enamel colors. Made in the 18th century, this
vase is symbolic of peace and longevity, as it shows the peach in all stages of
life at the same time. This vase sits 50.3 cm high.
* * *
Deer Ewer
T?ang dynasty (618-907)
Changsha ceramics, such as this ewer were the first to have paintings painted
on them under the glaze, so as to prolong the painting and colors. The most
widely used designs were flowers and birds. Anything that added to the
atractiveness of the piece was considered. Even so, man-made items such as
buildings or bridges were never seen. Very rarely a piece will be found
depicting the human figure in the form of women and children, but never men.
* * *
Jade Dragon and Phoenix
3rd Century BC, period 480-221 BC.
The pendant is dated back to 300 BC. The pendant was most likely used as
ornamentation for the upper class. The style used to carve this piece represents
flowing elegance, shown in it?s wonderfully sloping curves.
Jade, being and extremely hard stone, was never carved. In this case it had
been ground and drilled into shape, and polished to a sparkling finish.
Bibliography
Indianapolis Museum of Art, www.ima-art.org/. Copyright 2000, Indianapolis
Museum of Art
Encyclopedia.Com, www.encyclopedia.com/chinese-art/. Copyright 2000,
Encyclopedia.Com