Chinese Art: A Guide to Motifs and Visual Imagery - Hardcover

Welch, Patricia Bjaaland

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 080483864X ISBN 13: 9780804838641

Publisher: Tuttle Pub, 2008

Synopsis

Chinese Art is a guide to the meanings behind the hundreds of common motifs and symbols found in all forms of Chinese art. A thorough examination of the diverse usage of natural symbols, colors, numbers, inanimate items and personages, Chinese Art communicates the deeper messages to be found in Chinese decorative art. It is an excellent reference for collectors, museum-goers and students of Chinese art, culture and history.

About this title

From the Inside Flap

This book contains the meanings behind the hundreds of common motifs and symbols found in all forms of Chinese art, exposing their linguistic, metaphoric or historic origins, common usages, and diverse applications. Plants, flowers, real and imaginary animals and birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians, colors, numbers, and a myriad of inanimate images and personages communicate auspicious and benevolent messages in the Chinese vocabulary of decorative art. Many of the symbols are easily recognizable, and thanks to China's love of the past, reappear almost continuously.

A perfect reference for collectors, museum-goers, docents, students of Chinese art, and anyone else with a serious interest in the culture and history of China, the book includes both Chinese and Pinyin text, over 630 illustrations (including references to on-line collections), an extensive index in both Chinese and English, a bibliography, and a list of recommended museums and other places to visit with interesting collections of Chinese art.

About the Author

Patricia Bjaaland Welch is a former lecturer in Chinese philosophy and art at Boston University. She is a frequent lecturer on subjects relating to Chinese art and history, and currently resides in Singapore.

Edition details

• Publisher: Tuttle Pub
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 080483864X
• ISBN 13: 9780804838641
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 290