Art, Archaeology & Science: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Chinese Archaeological and Artistic Materials - Hardcover

Yang, Meili

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 184519733X ISBN 13: 9781845197339

Publisher: Liverpool University Press, 2015

Synopsis

Science has played a crucial role in the initial stages of westerners' collecting and studying ancient Chinese artworks and archaeological materials. The relevant scientific data were quickly generated using progressively sophisticated examination techniques. But the task of integrating scientific data with archaeological and art historical resources, and developing a workable interdisciplinary study method, has lagged behind scientific endeavor. Part One of this book explores the modes and functions of the scientific resources available and their integration into interdisciplinary study methods and models; pre-war researchers particularly emphasized that their studies of Chinese artistic/archaeological materials were scientific. Improvements in precision and advanced specialization of examining instruments and techniques resulted in substantively more detailed scientific data, particularly in the post-war period. This brought with it new research dimensions and increased knowledge of targeted samples, and also greater challenges to the integration of interdisciplinary study. In Part Two, Meili Yang establishes a feasible method of interdisciplinary study in terms of five case studies related to Chinese Song ceramics. Relevant data are provided and professionally explained, resulting in critical new information related to contemporary ceramic technologies. This technology information leads us to the recognition of the uniqueness of each single artwork and the artisan's individual intention - and critically, recognition of the close association with contemporary society and culture at the time of manufacture. Utilizing this new method of interdisciplinary study, modern science, ancient technology, and art and society are seen to have explicit connections. The author not only broadens scholars' and readers' perspectives regarding ancient ceramic craft, but provides a rigorous methodology applicable to interdisciplinary studies across other disciplines.

About this title

About the Author:

Meili Yang is Professor at the National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan. Her primary interest is in combining her expertise in art history and materials science in the study of Chinese artistic and archaeological materials.

About this edition

• Publisher: Liverpool University Press
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 184519733X
• ISBN 13: 9781845197339
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 224