China

Early Chinese Art
The history of Chinese art began as long as 7,000 years ago with Neolithic agricultural settlements along the Yellow River. Painted pottery vessels from the Neolithic period (around 5,000 - around 1,600 B.C.) have been found in tombs; although no records exist to explain these and other early examples of Chinese art, their decorative designs and simple forms endured and influenced later generations.

Most examples of early Chinese art come from tombs, where artifacts were protected from changes in the environment as well as social and political upheavals. The Chinese were greatly concerned about the afterlife, viewing death as a transitional stage rather than an end of life. Those who could afford to do so furnished their tombs with all the necessities - and sometimes luxuries - that might be needed in this next stage of life.

The best known ancient Chinese tomb is that of the first emperor of China, who reigned from 221 to 210 B.C. and filled acres of tombs with thousands of life-size terracotta figures. Most other tombs are less dramatic, but are just as instructive in documenting the art and culture of the early Chinese. Notable in these galleries are the ceramic models of figures, animals, and even architecture found in tombs from the Han (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.) and Tang (618 - 907) dynasties.

Chinese Painting
Chinese painting is generally classified into three categories: landscapes, figures and birds-and-flowers. As early as the fourth century, Chinese paintings appeared on paper or silk, showing secular and religious figures. Beginning in the Song dynasty (960 - 1279), landscapes and birds-and-flowers won popularity, and have remained important categories through today.

Early works were commissioned from professional and academic painters by Buddhist temples and the court. Beginning in the twelfth century, scholars and officials began to paint as a leisure past-time, an activity complemented by the study of poetry and calligraphy, and a variety of subjects and distinctive styles were developed. While artists studied, emulated and even copied the works of earlier masters, linear quality was favored over painterly representation, and movement of brush was essential. Expressive brushwork was valued as a reflection of an artist's experience, personality and emotions.

The primary painting medium is ink, which is supplemented with mineral and vegetable colors. Based on the compositions, paintings were mounted to hanging scrolls, handscrolls, fan or album leaves. A painting is sometimes accompanied by inscriptions which help to interpret the theme of the painting and which serve as part of the overall composition. Occasionally, the seals of artists, calligraphers and collectors are added as a record of collaboration and ownership.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Timeline of Chinese Dynasties
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ht/05/eac/ht05eac.htm
A Look at Chinese Painting
http://www.metmuseum.org/explore/Chinese/html_pages/elegant3.htm

Arts of Asia
Dynastic Periods/Pottery Ceramic
http://www.artifactasia.com/artifactasia/product-china/chi_dynasticper/more-pottery.html

SeeChina.com
Stone Relief, a Combination of Chinese Painting and Sculpture
http://home.seechina.com.cn/html/arts/3dyh-e.html

Access ART