Tang China A Symposium of Images

Tang era= a golden age of China Art and foreign relations prospered Best known for the development of many forms- painting, sculpture, pottery, calligraphy, music, dance, and literature Art in Tang China

Three color ware, or sancai, was one of the greatest contributions of the Tang dynasty. No dynasty before or after them have done this. Yellow, green and white were usually the colors used, although some sancai used two or four colors.

This Period experienced long periods of peace and prosperity. Articles of religious use were abundant during the Tang Dynasty as a result of the Buddhist influence of the Period.

The drinking of both tea and wine were commonly enjoyed past times during the Tang Dynasty. For centuries, business dealings had often been concluded by drinking a cup of tea. As the social amenities of the time grew in popularity, the evening hours found the drinking of tea supported by the drinking and toasting of wines as well. We see the introduction of gorgeous tea pots and wine jars developing during this period as a result of the social customs.

There were schools for performing arts everywhere. These schools were dedicated to full time practice of singing, dancing, and music. Musicians and actors were of celebrity status and great ones were invited to the imperial palace to entertain the emperor. There was even a musical school on the palace grounds itself.

Calligraphy is an ancient art form. It is an abstract art form and to appreciate the beauty of it, one should notice the balance of characters, the carefree strokes, the fluidity of the writing, and the lightening quick speed the artists do them in. This is the only surviving work of the great Tang poet Li Bai. Calligraphy can be done as poetry by itself, but it usually is a poem accompanying a traditional painting.

A gracefully executed work has no peer. Bold yet fluid - Balance Formal Expressive Playful

A carefree style has no fixed directions Geometric A gracefully executed work An exuberant work full of feeling and vigor. Lighting quick

Tomb Treasures During the reign of the Chinese dynasties, the emperors believed that death to be a prolonged version of life. Elaborate tombs were built to mirror their lavish lifestyles for their after-death palaces. The Qianlong tomb of the Tang dynasty is a joint tomb of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian. There are hills upon hills of tri-color pottery and statues.

Women of the Tang dynasty were fortunate enough to live during a time of open-mindedness and liberal ideas. A couple who wished to divorce may do so without punishment if it was based on mutual agreement. Women could remarry and intermarriage could exist between different ethnic groups. Tang women had the chance to learn military skills, history, and politics. They enjoyed having independent social statuses and could drink wine and sing at taverns in public if they wished.

Empress Wu Zetian was the only female monarch of China, and remains the most remarkable, influential and mysterious woman in Chinese history. She placed great importance on the development of agriculture and listened to ideas of her critics. She had the support of her loyal administration and late Tang China prospered under her reign. When she was bad, she could be ruthless, not even hesitating to murder her own son to secure her position! She resorted to Buddhism to cleanse herself of her sins. Empress Wu

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