Coconote
AI notes
AI voice & video notes
Export note
Try for free
Overview of Chinese Art History
Nov 4, 2024
Chinese Art Through the Ages
Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE)
Confucianism Resurgence:
Confucianism flourished; the state founded a university to teach Confucian classics.
University had up to 30,000 students.
Cultural Contributions:
Inventions: Paper, First Chinese Dictionary, First History of China.
Art & Tombs:
Animal Pen with Figures:
Example of Ming-Chi (spirit objects); depicts daily life and social roles.
Covered Jar:
Represents Sirius (unlawful) and Bo (order); reveals cultural beliefs about afterlife.
Tomb Panel:
Depicts court life; features Zi Wangmu, aligning with Confucian heaven concepts.
Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589 CE)
Buddhism's Rise:
Took root during Northern Wei rule; used for political legitimacy.
Cultural Synthesis:
Northern Wei integrated southern styles and Indian influences.
Example: Statues with Gandhara styles (sunken eyes, elaborate robes).
Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE)
Cultural Flourishing:
Scholars rose as elites; a period of cultural intermingling.
Significant Artworks:
Bodhisattva Torso:
Influenced by Indian styles; showcases ornate decoration.
Night Shining White:
Portrait capturing spirit of horses; reflects their sacred status.
Phoenix-Headed Amphora:
Influenced by Western/Central Asia; symbolizes globalization.
Song Dynasty (960-1279)
Artistic Evolution:
Distinction between Northern and Southern Song:
Northern: Naturalistic portrayals.
Southern: Balance between aesthetics and naturalism.
Civil Service Influence:
Art reflected values of the scholar-official class; metaphorical themes in art.
Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368)
Mongol Influence:
Adoption and adaptation of Chinese culture by Mongols.
Art reflected Mongol and Chinese cultural tensions.
Key Artworks:
Portrait of Chabi:
Demonstrates wealth and cultural reach; use of silk and luxurious materials.
Katarina Viglione's Tomb:
Evidence of Western Christianity in China; cultural intermingling.
Mountains of the Immortals:
Depicts Daozong beliefs; nature and afterlife themes.
Conclusion
Art as Cultural Reflection:
Art expressed religious beliefs, cultural practices, and political climates.
Initially for upper classes, later more widespread; reflects societal changes over time.
📄
Full transcript