Myths and legends can be seen to represent a repository of the wisdom and imagination of our ancestors. Chinese Myths and Legends introduces the stories of deities, heroes and the origins of the unive
This book provides a guide to China's rich and varied museum collections, illustrated with rare images from the collections themselves. A great number of exquisite objects and artifacts have been preserved on China's vast territory, many of which are now displayed as museum exhibits. These cultural relics provide a crucial supplement to documentary sources, enriching our understanding of China's long history. The sixty-one museums selected for this book include both famous collections that are featured in the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage Sites, and others that are less familiar to Western eyes. China's Museums will inspire future visitors and those with an interest in Chinese history.
Chinese clothing has undergone continuous transformations throughout history, providing a reflection of the culture in place at any given time. A wealth of archaeological findings coupled with ancient mythology, poetry and songs enable us to see the development of distinctive Chinese fashions through the ages. This illustrated introductory survey takes the reader through traditional Chinese clothing, ornamentation and ceremonial wear, discusses the importance of silk and the diverse costumes of China's ethnic groups before considering modern trends and China's place in the fashion world today.
The emergence of bronze ware forms a crucial chapter in the history of human civilization. Although not the first country to enter the Bronze Age, China enjoys a unique position in world history because of the great variety of innovative and beautiful bronze ware that has been unearthed on China's vast territory. These artifacts provide a window into the art and culture of ancient China. Chinese Bronze Ware introduces the reader to this magnificent culture with thorough discussion of the context and significance of bronze production, vivid descriptions and full color illustrations.
The Chinese are famed as the first to have discovered and mastered the techniques needed to produce porcelain. Yet carefully crafted ceramics are valued not only for their beauty, but also as precious cultural artifacts shedding light on the period in which they were produced. Chinese ceramics represent works of art both in themselves and as a medium for painting, poetry, calligraphy and sculpture. This accessible, introductory survey takes the reader through the rich history of Chinese ceramics from primitive pottery to delicate porcelain, complemented by full color illustrations throughout.
This illustrated introduction to Chinese wine explores the history of wine production in China, the legends and customs that surround it and its place in China today. Traditionally, Chinese wine and spirits were made from grain, and had three important uses: to perform rituals, to dispel one's worries and to heal. Today, wine is still believed to have a therapeutic benefit, but the Chinese beverage industry has expanded on a large scale and now includes famous brands of beer and, increasingly, vineyards producing red and white wine for global consumption. Chinese Wine is indispensable reading for both wine-lovers and all those with an interest in the transition from traditional to modern Chinese culture.
The art of calligraphy is seen as the epitome of Chinese culture. Originating in the earliest abstract symbols carved on cave walls, animal bones and tortoise shells by the ancient Chinese people, over several thousand years calligraphy has become far more than a means of writing and recording events. This book provides an accessible, illustrated introduction to the history of calligraphy from the beginning of the Chinese written language, the methods and styles used by calligraphers through the ages and the influence that calligraphy has had on modern art around the world.
Unique in style, Chinese furniture has long been celebrated for its elegant, artistic lines and strong, durable structure. Ranging from pieces designed simply to display the beauty and texture of natural woods to magnificent pieces decorated with lavish carvings, lacquer or precious metals and stones, Chinese furniture is an outstanding representative of the oriental arts. This book provides an accessible, illustrated introduction to the history, production techniques and rich variety of Chinese furniture, revealing the important part that this furniture has played in the development of China's culture.
Ancient Chinese architecture is not only a source of reference for modern Chinese design, it has also had an international influence and attracted global attention. Moreover, architectural remains in China reveal much about the history of this ancient civilisation. The palaces, gardens, temples, tombs and dwellings of the Chinese people reflect, for example, the military achievements of the Qin emperor, the spirit of the Tang Dynasty, the palace intrigues of the Ming Dynasty, the diversity of Chinese culture through the ages and the skill of countless generations of craftsmen and labourers. Chinese Architecture provides an accessible, illustrated introduction to this essential part of China's cultural heritage.
China is renowned for its enchanting, tranquil gardens, designed to reflect both the charm of nature and the ancient Chinese view of life. Chinese Gardens explores the creation of classical gardens through history, discussing the theories and artistic conception behind these gardens and the development of diverse regional styles. Lou Qingxi provides a comprehensive introduction to the distinctive combination of nature, philosophy and art that is unique to Chinese gardens, complemented with full color illustrations throughout.
Han Jiantang provides an accessible, illustrated introduction to the fascinating history and development of the written Chinese language, from pictograms painted on rocks and pottery and ancient inscriptions to the refined art of calligraphy and the characters in use today. Chinese Characters will appeal to readers looking for an introduction to the rich but complex Chinese language and to all those interested in the relationship between language and culture.
One of the most distinctive features of Chinese culture is the great variety of unique festivals that has evolved over the course of China's long history. Chinese festivals are deeply rooted in popular tradition and despite China's many changes they remain firmly established as part of the country's vibrant culture. Chinese Festivals introduces a representative selection of these celebrated traditions with full color illustrations, providing a flavor of the diversity and development of traditional Chinese culture.
Peking opera is one of the most distinctive traditions in Chinese culture – a tradition that can seem mysterious and complex to foreign eyes. In this illustrated introduction, Xu Chengbei explains the colourful make up, intricate costumes, characters, staging, stories and music associated with Peking opera, and discusses the origins and development of this unique performance art. Peking Opera is an essential starting point for all those interested in this intriguing part of China's cultural heritage.
As the birthplace of moveable-type printing, China has some claim to being the homeland of publishing. China's ancient civilisation has nurtured a distinctively Chinese publishing industry, and this industry has done much to spread Chinese ideas and culture around the world. Yang Hu and Xiao Yang provide a comprehensive introduction to the origins and development of printing and publication in China from ancient to modern times, complemented throughout with full colour illustrations.
This illustrated gastronomic tour traces the development of the unique food and drink culture found in China. From ancient to modern times, the Chinese have celebrated an epicurean lifestyle, believing that food is not just meant to fill the stomach, but that an abundance of food denotes good fortune and that knowing what, and how, to eat is crucial to health. Liu Junru explores the traditions surrounding cooking and eating in China, distinctive regional variations, the development of advanced culinary techniques and new dining trends. Chinese Food will be of interest to all those with an interest in the origins of this popular cuisine, now enjoyed in every part of the world.
Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the most renowned and most controversial scientific achievements of ancient Chinese civilisation. Although Western medicine is often the basic method used to deal with medical problems, the techniques developed in traditional Chinese medicine still play an important part in protecting the health of the Chinese people and are practised throughout the world. Liao Yuqun provides a comprehensive, illustrated introduction to the history and theory of traditional Chinese medicine, exploring classical medical texts, diagnostic methods, the use of medical herbs and techniques such as acupuncture.
China has one of the most ancient civilisations in the world, occupying a vast territorial expanse. This has led to great diversification in Chinese vernacular dwellings, rarely seen in the architecture of the world and reflecting a wide variety of different natural and cultural environments. In this illustrated introduction Shan Deqi explores a representative selection of traditional Chinese dwellings, considering their architecture, environmental setting and the lifestyles and customs of the people who inhabit these distinctive homes and have contributed to their development.
Many colorful theatrical activities can be found throughout China. The best known and most unique of these is perhaps traditional Chinese opera, which has a history of over 800 years. However, since the early twentieth century, following increased contact with the West, drama without music has also become popular in China. The development and prosperity of modern drama has created a new landscape for Chinese theater, which, as a whole, has become more diverse. In this illustrated introduction Fu Jin explores the origins and development of this distinctive branch of the Chinese arts.
Wushu, the Chinese martial art form known as kung fu in the West, embodies traditional Chinese culture and reflects the self defense and fitness practices of the Chinese people. The core philosophy of wushu is drawn from Confucian, Taoist and Buddhist principles and the Eastern philosophy that humans are an integral part of nature. In this illustrated introduction Wang Guangxi discusses the theory, schools, weapons and development of this distinctive and captivating branch of Chinese culture from ancient times to the present day, including its representation in literature and film.
China is world renowned as the homeland of tea planting, production and drinking. In this illustrated introduction Liu Tong provides a fascinating insight into the ancient culture of Chinese tea, the trade, tradition, literature, philosophy and ceremony associated with tea in China and its popularisation around the world. Chinese Tea will appeal to all those with an interest in Chinese history and culture, and will be thought-provoking reading for the many tea drinkers found throughout the world.
