Chinese Bronzes: Ferocious Beauty

Description

Chinese bronze art symbolizes the birth of Chinese civilization and lasted through the Xia to the Han dynasty (1600 BC to 220 AD). Exquisite in Workmanship, abundant in variety, unique in style, and unrivalled in beauty, Chinese bronzes were the products of the most advanced science and technology, and a display of the finest artistic talents of their time. The awesome designs grotesque and fearful taotie (ogre-mask), soaring kui-dragons, graceful phoenixes -constitute an imaginary world, rich and mysterious, and possess a beauty that is ferocious and stunning, but definitely intriguing. Professor Chen Wangheng, a scholar on traditional Chinese aesthetics, has made an in-depth analysis of the historical features and achievements of Chinese bronze from different aspects. In these pages, he has shown Convincingly that it was Chinese bronze art that nurtured the beginnings of Chinese culture, and that this art was rich in aesthetic, artistic and soclal Concepts. Enhanced by more than 80 illustrations and plates of important pieces, this book offers pleasurable reading and is a useful guide to readers who are exploring the roots of Chinese aesthetics. ISBN:9789812290205