Chinese Art

Chinese art can be monumental and grand but also small and precious Artists apprenticed with master; religious and political patrons Often reflect one of two different philosophies – Daoism – Confucianism Importance of calligraphy as an art form Love and respect of nature

Daoism Dao= “the way” Laozi Emphasized religious journey searching for self- expression Oneness with nature, balance Representation in art

Confucianism Confucius Stresses education, devotion to family, mutual respect Huge focus on tradition Behavior, relationships, duty

Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, terra-cotta, c. 210 BCE, Qin Dynasty, Lintong, China

A Chinese Army Marching Into the Next World Archaeology warriors, 100 wooden chariots, 2 bronze chariots, 30,000 weapons uncovered so far Scholars believe the soldiers were not meant to be seen Elaborate mausoleum designed to take emperor into the next life

Started by Emperor Qin when he took the throne Made great advancements in China but brutal 700,000 laborers worked on army over 35 yrs Daoism represented

Literati Scholarly artists formed a counter-culture Defied tradition Often painted on paper, symbolic Painted for themselves rather than for fame/mass acceptance

Scrolls Handscrolls-horizontal, can be unrolled Hanging scrolls-vertical, meant to display short term Colophon panels Neither for permanent display Taken out and admired, placed in special cabinet Silks often used Read right to left Relationship of painting and writing-especially with Literati artists

Dong QiChang, Dwelling in the Qingbian Mountains, 1617, hanging scroll, ink on paper, Ming Dynasty.

Literati artist Wealthy art critic and collector, also accomplished artist Painted in a way that was modern – Treatment of mountains looks very pattern-like – Composition is flattened by technique

Shitao, Man in a House Beneath a Cliff, ink on paper, Qing Dynasty, 17 th century

Literati painter who started a bold new movement in landscape painting Monk isolated in forbidding landscape Inaccessible terrain Dots of color arbitrary