Art in China (Oxford History of Art)

Book Description

China can boast a history of art lasting 5,000 years and embracing a huge diversity of images and objects - jade tablets, painted silk handscrolls and fans, ink and lacquer painting, porcelain-ware, sculptures, and calligraphy. They range in scale from the vast `terracotta army' with its 7,000 or so life-size figures, to the exquisitely delicate writing of fourth-century masters such as Wang Xizhin and his teacher, `Lady Wei'. But this rich tradition has not, until now, been fully appreciated in the West where scholars have focused their attention on sculpture, downplaying art more highly prized by the Chinese themselves such as calligraphy. Art in China marks a breakthrough in the study of the subject. Drawing on recent innovative scholarship and on newly-accessible studies in China itself Craig Clunas surveys the full spectrum of the visual arts in China. He ranges from the Neolithic period to the art scene of the 1980s and 1990s, examining art in a variety of contexts as it has been designed for tombs, commissioned by rulers, displayed in temples, created for the men and women of the educated ilite, and bought and sold in the marketplace. Many of the objects illustrated in this book have previously been known only to a few specialists, and will be totally new to a general audience.

Customer Reviews:

Art in China (Oxford History of Art Series).......2005-09-24

Beautifully illustrated, delightful and extremely informative. This book is a marvelous supplement to the typical art history text books.

Good introduction to the arts of China.......2005-03-08

I like the author's approach to writing an introduction to the arts of China. Instead of trying to touch at least all of the major artists/works from all of the major periods (which in the case of China would mean touching very many things in a very cursory way), the author focuses on the context for which works were produced. Some of them were meant to be "art" from the start, some were not. This offers ample opportunities to examine how some works influenced other later in history. Overall, I think the ideas presented are some of the most gripping I have found in Chinese art history books. The book includes recent discoveries and scholarship and uses Pinyin romanization (two great features - not all recently-published books do).

Currently the best short introduction to art in China.......2002-01-20

While not the easiest to read, Clunas's book is currently the best short modest-sized introduction to art in China. The title "Art in China" (not "Chinese Art") is intentional, for Clunas is one of the rare Occidental authors on this subject who transcend the limitations of their background and succeed in communicating some of the subtlety and complexity of the subject, so remote from Western tastes, but no less beautiful and profound.

For example, he points out that while Western art has concentrated on painting, calligraphy is the most esteemed art form in China. Furthermore, from its earliest beginnings, Chinese aesthetics has placed little emphasis on illusionism and perspective, even regarding these as juvenile and distracting from artistic self-expression. (In this respect, the Chinese anticipated "modern art theory" by centuries.) The very term "Chinese Art", he maintains, is a Western invention, since the art work in China was, until recently, never divorced from its political, religious or decorative functions. (That is to say, it was not "museum art" isolated from its context and consciously regarded as art.) Because of these characteristics, art in China has been little appreciated in the West.

Clunas's probing book should be read slowly-- and re-read. The illuminating text gives a relatively sophisticated and sympathetic account of art in China, unlike many books, which are simply naive, provincial and as full of trivial dates and abstractions as they are lacking in insight. The representative works, drawn from all periods of Chinese history--including modern times--are superb and well chosen, and the pictures are excellent, considering the book's modest size. I especially enjoy the full-page color reproduction of Guo Xi's masterpiece "Early Spring" which equals, if not surpasses, the finest landscape paintings of the Dutch golden age (of course, not in illusionist technique, but in sheer expressive and evocative power as it unveils a mysterious fantastic landscape reflecting an interior, as much as an exterior, reality).

My only complaint is that there is only one book on "Art in China" in the Oxford History of Art series, while there are at least 30 on Western art in the same series. One book covers Western art for a 25-year span (1920-45), but 5,000 years of high art in China--in painting, jade, ceramics, lacquer, porcelain, calligraphy and sculpture--gets only a single volume! Talk about provincialism! Certainly, this is no fault of Dr. Clunas, whose work seems all the more commendable in the midst of the naive insularity and ethnocentrism with which it has unfortunately been grouped.

BRILLIANT!!.......2002-01-15

In researching information regarding Sung Dynasty scrolls and artists, I found this book to be a most generous indeed. The author provides clear, precise information without the clutter of person guesses. He provides a wonderful assortment of pictures and resources. Clear, clean photographs of artifacts providing the reader with primary documentation .This is a MUST for anyone studying the Arts and Artists of early China. Thank you Craig Clunas!

challenging book.......2000-05-15

This is a challenging work.

He realizes 5 standpoints. He writes "What is historically called art in China, by whom and when?". Really, I feel it rather reflect unconscious attitude of 20th century collectors and scholars.

Art in the Tomb /Art at Court/Art in the Temple/Art in the life of the Elite /Art in the Market-Place

Following recent searching environment of artifacts; lifetime of painters, art-market, patrons, etc., as "Painter's Practice" by J.cahill, Mr. Clunas searched relations of arts-makers and the society. This approach is interesting and very suggestive. It may be the first try among such cheap and popular books about "Arts in China". For such character, I feel it should not be an elementary textbook.

Calligraphy was more focused than M. Sullivan's book"The Arts of China" in the chapter "Art in the life of the Elite". Short columns explain words and technical terms vividly. It is worth to buy it only for them. Bibliographical essays(231-237 p.) are very useful. Plates and figures are all fine. There is few inadequate item. Fig 83 and 87 shows as we appreciate in museums, i.e. shows its handscroll format. I think the author make effort to show surrounding textile of paintings and the format in some figs.

As an avocat d'diable, I notice some. The gong of Fig. 49 is not 8th century. Dragons and a beast should be genuine 8th century items. The gong is regarded 12-13th century Japanese artifact. The item of Fig. 82 may not be a representative work by Tang-Yin.

Both C. Clunas and Michael Sullivan edited catalogues of Sir Alain Barlow Collection(now in Sussex College). (ref. The Barlow Collection of Chinese Ceramics, Bronzes and Jades: an Introduction, The University of Sussex, 1997/Nov.) Sullivan did in 1963 and 1974. Clunas did in 1997. They might have share common intellectual environment according Oriental Ceramic Society, England.

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William Merritt Chase: Paintings in Pastel, Monotypes, Painted Tiles and Ceramic Plates, Watercolors, and Prints (The complete catalogue of known and documented ... by William Merritt Chase, 1849-1916, Vol. 1)
Ronald G. Pisano , D. Frederick Baker , and Marjorie Shelley
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

United States | Regional | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Museums & Collections | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Painting | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Chase, William Merritt | ( A-C ) | Artists, A-Z | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Artists, A-Z | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0300109962

Book Description

A perennial favorite of museum visitors, the works of William Merritt Chase (1849–1916) embody the quintessential characteristics of American Impressionism: outdoor landscapes, a colorful palette, and an energetic brushstroke. He was also a portrait painter of the first rank, a master of still life, a renowned teacher, and a leader of artists’ societies.

This gorgeous book, the first of a four-volume definitive catalogue, features Chase’s stunning paintings in pastel, which constitute a major and previously understudied body of work by the artist; monotypes; painted tiles and plates; watercolors; and prints. Reconstructing Chase’s oeuvre is a daunting task, as the artist left few records of any kind, and no documentation of his individual works exists. Furthermore, Chase’s paintings and pastels have been forged in great numbers throughout the years, and many of these works still surface on the art market. Making this long-awaited volume even more valuable is a list of every known exhibition of Chase’s work during the artist’s lifetime, selected examples of major post-1917 exhibitions, and an essay on Chase’s innovative pastel technique.

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Good survey of glass printing techniques

Glass And Print (Glass Handbooks)
Kevin Petrie
Manufacturer: University of Pennsylvania Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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Pottery & Ceramics | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0812219465

Book Description

The great variety of aesthetic expression possible in printmaking techniques and the unique qualities of glass are explored in Glass and Print, through numerous illustrations and examinations of pieces utilizing both materials. The combination of glass and printmaking offers tremendous potential for artists accustomed to working with either medium.

Many techniques may be employed in working with the two. In kiln-forming glass, printed imagery can be sandwiched within a glass form. Relief surfaces can be created by casting glass into molds taken from relief printing blocks. In glass blowing, prints can be enclosed within the glass and blown into three-dimensional shapes. Images can be directly screenprinted onto sheets of flat or architectural glass.

Kevin Petrie examines the properties of the materials and methods used in working with glass and print. He offers a range of case studies by international artists and students that showcases the exciting potential and diversity of approaches possible, with practical applications for incorporating these techniques into any artist's repertoire.

Customer Reviews:

Good survey of glass printing techniques.......2007-04-28

Nicely written with good depth, this survey of printing techniques with and on glass is an interesting read. I kinda wish the author had been able to go into the actual techniques a bit more, but this book is still a wonderful resource.

Goebel Figurines & Prints by Charlotte Byj

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Goebel Figurines & Prints by Charlotte Byj
Rocky Rockholt
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Sculpture | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0764313002

Book Description

Charlot Byj created her famous redheaded children and other figures as greeting card illustrations. In the mid 1940s her work caught the attention of the Goebel Company, the makers of Hummel figurines. At Goebel her characters took on three dimensions, and now they are sought by collectors around the world. The Redheads, the blonde series, and other Byj creations for Goebel are presented here, making this a comprehensive volume. Nearly every figure is shown in a beautiful color photograph. Current values are given with each photograph, and there is a history of values on the secondary market, beginning with 1957. A wealth of information is given to make this a truly valuable book for collectors of these delightful figures.

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Informative overview on the marriage of print and clay.

Ceramics and Print (Ceramics Handbooks)
Paul Scott
Manufacturer: University of Pennsylvania Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Pottery & Ceramics | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0812218000

Book Description

Printmaking techniques have long been used in the pottery industry, but until comparatively recently ceramicists have tended to view the use of these techniques with disdain. Attitudes are changing rapidly now, however, as makers continue to explore creative possibilities while working with ceramic materials.

In this book, Paul Scott briefly discusses the history of ceramics and print, and then concentrates on the techniques used by contemporary ceramicists. These include: screen printing, both transfer decoration and working directly onto clay; photographic processes; sponge printing; stamped ware; linocuts; prints from plaster slabs; and other printmaking techniques.

For this new edition Ceramics and Print has been significantly expanded and treats recent developments in the use of the photocopier, laser printer, and computer-generated prints. Many of the illustrations are new, and color images now replace almost all of the earlier black-and-white photographs. The book, groundbreaking in its original publication, has in the Second Edition been brought up to date and should add considerably to the knowledge of this exciting and popular medium.

Customer Reviews:

Informative overview on the marriage of print and clay........1998-07-28

Paul Scott Takes you through the historical and contemporary uses of print and clay. Very little has been written about the unusual marriage between print and clay. The book is written in an easy to follow dialogue that explains the processes involved and includes many color photographs. I recommend the book to anyone interested ceramics and imagery.

Staffordshire Pottery, 1858-1962: Majolica, Transfer Prints, Flow Blue, Fine Bone China From Cauldon (Schiffer Book for Collectors with Price Guide)

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Specific to Cauldon, Inc.
Cauldon for Collectors

Staffordshire Pottery, 1858-1962: Majolica, Transfer Prints, Flow Blue, Fine Bone China From Cauldon (Schiffer Book for Collectors with Price Guide)
Robert E. Cluett
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 076432022X

Customer Reviews:

Specific to Cauldon, Inc........2006-11-27

This is the finest book available on Cauldon, bar none. The pricing guides are helpful, the background information facinating, and although the photographs are sometimes a little out of focus, each page features multiple images of representative wares.

Cauldon for Collectors.......2006-04-22

Quite simply the best reference work currently available on the output of Cauldon Ltd. and its predecessors and sucessors for over a century including helpful pricing guides. Because Cauldon's tableware patterns alone ran to several tens of thousands, this book could not be expected to address individually all of the company's products, but it does cover a broad enough sampling to make it the definitive work on its subject matter. Kudos to Robert Cluett for giving us this book.

Dictionary of Japanese Artists: Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Prints, Lacquer

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Dictionary of Japanese Artists: Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Prints, Lacquer
Laurance P. Roberts
Manufacturer: Floating World Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1891640194

Book Description

This is a limited-edition reprint of the most comprehensive and authoritative dictionary of Japanese artists yet published. The pertinent facts related to approximately 3000 painters, printmakers, sculptors, potters, and lacquerware makers born before 1900 are concisely listed, including their art names (in kanji and romanized), brief biographies, descriptions of their work, collections in which their work is included, and books and periodicals in which their work is discussed or illustrated. Extensive appendixes, glossary, bibliography and complete indexes-including artists by alternate names and Japanese characters-make this an essential reference for all those interested in Japanese and East Asian art.

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Miro on Mallorca (Pegasus Library)
Barbara Catoir
Manufacturer: Prestel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Surrealism | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 3791314831

Antiques & Collecting Magazine - September 2002 Susie Cooper Ceramics, Japanese Woodblock Prints, Cuff Links Catch On, Wild Bill Hickok Collectibles, Slinky (Vol. 107 No. 7)

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Antiques & Collecting Magazine - September 2002 Susie Cooper Ceramics, Japanese Woodblock Prints, Cuff Links Catch On, Wild Bill Hickok Collectibles, Slinky (Vol. 107 No. 7)

Manufacturer: Lightner Publishing Corp.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O3OK40

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Miro the beuty

Miro (Great Modern Masters)
Joan Miro
Manufacturer: Abradale/Abrams
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0810946890

Amazon.com

This title in the Modern Masters series focuses on the work of Joan Miro, one of the painters most often associated with surrealism. Miro studied art in his native Barcelona before joining the Paris art scene in the 1920s. Fantasy, dreams, and myths played an important role in Miro's early works, many of which are included in the more than 70 full-color reproductions of paintings, sculptures, and tapestries in this collection. This is a fine introduction to the monumental works of one of the foremost artists of the 20th century.

Customer Reviews:

Miro the beuty.......2001-01-19

This book is one that shows how Miro and maybye how people felt in that time period,which he lived so long.He made many beutyfull pictures and some that were just nonsense.I like his paintings so much i belive this book and him have inspiered me to be an artist one day.I am not very good but miro did not paint good but it was what he felt and that made him care and that is all that really matters.

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Advanced Materials & Processes, published by ASM International on July 1, 1998. The length of the article is 461 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: Studio potter Jody Scott manufactures all of his porcelain pieces one at a time and favors crystalline glazes because of the intensity and color depth that the technique provides. Scott first sprays, brushes or pours a slurry of about 25% zinc oxide, 25% silica, 50% low alumina 3110, colorant and water on top of the surface of a pot that has already been brisque fired at 1020 degrees centigrade. The pot takes its distinctive colors and shapes as it is fired in an electric kiln, then cooled.

Citation Details
Title: Crystalline glazes are studio potter's forte.
Publication: Advanced Materials & Processes (Refereed)
Date: July 1, 1998
Publisher: ASM International
Volume: v154 Issue: n1 Page: p8(1)

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