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.

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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