The document provides an overview of Chinese art from the Neolithic period through the Song dynasty, highlighting several key pieces. It describes a round bowl from the Yangshao culture Neolithic period that predates the potter's wheel. It also mentions a cong artifact from the Neolithic that was used to connect to the spirit world. Additionally, it summarizes the Fang Ding bronze vessel from the Shang dynasty and the terracotta soldiers from Qin Emperor Shihuangdi's mausoleum.
3. Bowl from Banpo, Shaanxi during the Neolithic period from 5000-4000 BCE . This is from the Yangshao culture and has been created perfectly round and before the potter’s wheel was invented. Shows evidence of the beginnings of writing on the side rims of the bowl. From Neolithic period
4. A cong is believed to be something to help connect to the spirit world . Circular top= heaven Boxy middle= earth Hole through the cong= connects heaven and earth An image of a deity (called a taotie ) found on a cong. The cong that this was found near Hangzhou Bay which seemed to be over 5000 years old. This is a low-relief carving. From Neolithic period
5. The Fang Ding is a square vessel on four legs. There are hundreds of vessels that were found in Yin, which is present-day Anyang. Its made of bronze weighing about 240 pounds and does not include the taotie this time, instead it features strange animals that seem to be related to hunting life. From Shang Dynasty
6. Soldiers from Emperor Shihuangdi’s (of the Qin Dynasty) mausoleum in Lintong, Shaanxi. These statues were made from terra cotta.This shows an underground army of more than 7,000 lifesize clay soldiers and horses facing east to protect Emperor Shihuangdi’s tomb. From Qin Dynasty
7. Oracle bones were used to communicate with the spiritual world during the Shang Dynasty. A question was written on it and then heated until it cracked. The cracks were interpreted by priests as the answer. The Zhou dynasty revolved around music because the marquis had more than 15,000 musical instruments on his tomb. Random
8. Shihuangdi Emperor Shihuangdi, meaning First Emperor, was the first emperor during the Qin dynasty in 221- 206 BC. He was a cruel ruler who killed anyone who went against him and ordered all books to be burned. However, his achievements were building a system of roads, building a capital in Xian, and expanding the Chinese empire.
9. Tomb Model of a House This was found in a tomb for the dead’s afterlife. There were four floors with the ground floor for animals while the people lived in the upper floors.
10. This is a painting called Travelers among Mountains and Streams by Fan Kuan. It’s folded horizontally into three parts to show development throughout the painting. It gives the sense of monumentality because it is 7 feet long. From Northern Song Dynasty
12. The Guan Ware Vase is from the Southern Song dynasty for imperial use. It shows harmony and cracked designs. From Song Dynasty
13. Seated Buddha in Cave 20 in Yungang, Shanxi during Northern Wei dynasty. This statue is 45 feet tall and most of the cave has worn off so it is now exposed to the public. The Buddha in both China and India were imagined differently. From Wei Dynasty
15. Other artworks Statues of horses have commonly been made to be buried in a tomb. They are made from porcelain during the Tang dynasty. Black Glazed Pottery Figure of a Fereghan Horse Tang Dynasty
16. A famous painter named Zhang Xuan painted many artworks of women and their daily routines. This was during the time of the Northern Song dynasty and Tang dynasty. Ladies Preparing Newly Woven Silk
17. Pair of Foot Soldiers from the early Han Dynasty and the late Bronze Age. This accurately shows what the Chinese wore in the military. The weapons in their hands are now missing and the colorful tunics represented the rank of the soldiers. This is made from earthenware and paint.