I. Theories of representation in ancient Chinese art focused on "mimesis" or realistic representation. II. Art has ancient origins dating back to Paleolithic times and the Neolithic period saw developments in crafts including ceramics. III. Art was an important part of tombs beginning in Shang times, with sculptures, jade objects, and bronze vessels buried with the dead.

1. Chinese Art History
I. Theories of REPRESENTATION
in Chinese Art: “MIMESIS”
II. Ancient ORIGINS
III. Art in the TOMB
IV. NATIONALISM & Expression
V. TAOISM & Taoist Art
GOOGLE ART GALLERY:
 Tang Courtly Sculpture & Painting

2. I. Theories of REPRESENTATION in Ancient
Chinese Art
“MIMESIS” (mimic, realism in art)

3. Tomb Relief Sculptures
“Death approximates Life.”

4. “QILIN” Sculpture (Mythical Tomb Guardian)

5. Fu Xi

6. Fu Xi’s Dragon-Horse Helper

8. “Mimesis” (imitation)

9. Feng Shui

10. Timeline of Chinese Dynasties and Other Key Events
ca. 2100-1600 BCE Xia (Hsia) Dynasty
ca. 1600-1050 BCE Shang Dynasty Capitals: near present-day Zhengzhou and Anyang
ca. 1046-256 BCE Zhou (Chou) Dynasty Capitals: Hao (near present-day Xi'an) and Luoyang
Western Zhou (ca. 1046-771 BCE)
Eastern Zhou (ca. 771-256 BCE)
Spring and Autumn Period (770-ca. 475 BCE)
Confucius (ca. 551-479 BCE)
Warring States Period (ca. 475-221 BCE)
221-206 BCE Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty Capital: Chang'an, present-day Xi'an
Qin Shihuangdi dies, 210 BCE
206 BCE-220 CE Han Dynasty
Western/Former Han (206 BCE-9 CE) Capital: Chang'an
Confucianism officially established as basis for Chinese state by Han Wudi (r. 141-86 BCE)
Eastern/Later Han (25-220 CE) Capital: Luoyang
220-589 CE Six Dynasties Period Period of disunity and instability following the fall of the Han
Buddhism introduced to China
Three Kingdoms (220-265 CE) Cao Wei, Shu Han, Dong Wu
Jin Dynasty (265-420 CE)
Period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589 CE)
581-618 CE Sui Dynasty Capital: Chang'an
618-906 CE Tang (T'ang) Dynasty Capitals: Chang'an and Luoyang
907-960 CE Five Dynasties Period
960-1279 Song (Sung) Dynasty
Northern Song (960-1127) Capital: Bianjing (present-day Kaifeng)
Southern Song (1127-1279) Capital: Lin'an (present-day Hangzhou)
1279-1368 Yuan Dynasty The reign of the Mongol empire; Capital: Dadu (present-day Beijing)
1368-1644 Ming Dynasty Re-establishment of rule by Han ruling house; Capitals: Nanjing and Beijing
1644-1912 Qing (Ch'ing) Dynasty Reign of the Manchus; Capital: Beijing
1912-1949 Republic Period Capitals: Beijing, Wuhan, and Nanjing
1949-present People's Republic of China Capital: Beijing

11. II. Ancient ORIGINS
• Paleolithic Beginnings
• Neolithic Crafts
• Hieratic Art & the Bronze Age
(Shang)
• Status & Decoration (Zhou)

12. Paleolithic Beginnings
“PALEOLITHIC”
• From c. 2.5 million years—
10,000 years ago
• Stone Tools
• Hunting & Gathering

13. PALEO-CHINESE
PEOPLES:
“Homo-Erectus”:
• Yuanmo Man
• Lantian Man
• Peking Man
Early “Homo-Sapiens”:
• Dingcun Man
Late “Homo-Sapiens”:
• Upper Cave Man

14. “HOMO-ERECTUS” in China
YUANMO Man (SW China): PEKING Man (NE China):
c. 1.7 million BCE c. 700,000-200,000 BCE

15. “HOMO-SAPIENS” in China
DINGCUN Man (N China): UPPER CAVE Man (N China):
c. 100,000 BCE c. 50,000 BCE

16. Neolithic Crafts
Neolithic River Valley
Settlements:
c. 4000-1700 BCE
 Jade Ax

17. Neolithic JADE Ritual Object

18. Neolithic JADE Pendant

19. BANPO (modern Xi’an): Best Preserved
4800-4300 BCE
Banpo Settlements:
1) Dwelling Area
2) Community House
3) Burial Area
4) Potters’ Area
Banpo Round Hut Dwellings

21. Banpo Potters’ Area Distinctive Motifs

22. Banpo = “PAINTED POTTERY CULTURE”

25. Snake Motif 

26. “BLACK POTTERY CULTURE”

27. “BLACK POTTERY CULTURE”
2 QUALITIES:
1. EVERYDAY: heavy & cord
impressions
2. SPECIAL: thin & brittle

28. BLACK: More Diverse FORMS than Painted

29. IMPRESSED POTTERY-MAKERS
• Rich SURFACE
• Smooth Finish
• High-fired

30. NEOLITHIC
Ceramic Tripod

31. SUMMARY Neolithic Pottery:
RICHNESS & VARIETY

32. Quiz #6: China
1. What is the BEST PRESERVED prehistoric Chinese
settlement site called? B________

33. III. Art in the TOMB

34. Hieratic Art & the Bronze Age
SHANG:
c. 1766—1111 BCE:
• Imp Cap: ANYANG
• BRONZE

35. Timeline of Chinese Dynasties and Other Key Events
ca. 2100-1600 BCE Xia (Hsia) Dynasty
ca. 1600-1050 BCE Shang Dynasty Capitals: near present-day Zhengzhou and Anyang
ca. 1046-256 BCE Zhou (Chou) Dynasty Capitals: Hao (near present-day Xi'an) and Luoyang
Western Zhou (ca. 1046-771 BCE)
Eastern Zhou (ca. 771-256 BCE)
Spring and Autumn Period (770-ca. 475 BCE)
Confucius (ca. 551-479 BCE)
Warring States Period (ca. 475-221 BCE)
221-206 BCE Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty Capital: Chang'an, present-day Xi'an
Qin Shihuangdi dies, 210 BCE
206 BCE-220 CE Han Dynasty
Western/Former Han (206 BCE-9 CE) Capital: Chang'an
Confucianism officially established as basis for Chinese state by Han Wudi (r. 141-86 BCE)
Eastern/Later Han (25-220 CE) Capital: Luoyang
220-589 CE Six Dynasties Period Period of disunity and instability following the fall of the Han
Buddhism introduced to China
Three Kingdoms (220-265 CE) Cao Wei, Shu Han, Dong Wu
Jin Dynasty (265-420 CE)
Period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589 CE)
581-618 CE Sui Dynasty Capital: Chang'an
618-906 CE Tang (T'ang) Dynasty Capitals: Chang'an and Luoyang
907-960 CE Five Dynasties Period
960-1279 Song (Sung) Dynasty
Northern Song (960-1127) Capital: Bianjing (present-day Kaifeng)
Southern Song (1127-1279) Capital: Lin'an (present-day Hangzhou)
1279-1368 Yuan Dynasty The reign of the Mongol empire; Capital: Dadu (present-day Beijing)
1368-1644 Ming Dynasty Re-establishment of rule by Han ruling house; Capitals: Nanjing and Beijing
1644-1912 Qing (Ch'ing) Dynasty Reign of the Manchus; Capital: Beijing
1912-1949 Republic Period Capitals: Beijing, Wuhan, and Nanjing
1949-present People's Republic of China Capital: Beijing

37. Chinese Bronze Tech: UNIQUE!
• “ALLOY”
• Added LEAD
• Complex Technique:
Multiple “PIECE-MOLDS”

38. Two SHANG Bronze-Casting Techs:
1. “Piece Mold” (clay orig)
2. “Lost Wax”

39. Shang SOCIETY
“GOD-KING”: Ruled thru:
1. Ritual
2. Warfare
3. Oracles
RITUAL = Heart of Shang:
1. Imp for Rulers/Elite
2. Required ART!

40. “Oracle Bones”
(more later)

41. Shang Tomb Guard Horse-Drawn Chariot (Shang Invention)
 Altar

42. TOMB SCULPTURE

44. Pre –> Early SHANG:
L: Bronze JUE w/ Gold Leaf & Lacquer R: Bronze/Turquoise
Inlay Plaque

45. SHANG Ritual Wine Vessels: L: Ivory, R: Bronze

46. Main Shang Art = BRONZE!
 Shang “LIDING” (3 legs)

47. Shang “DING” (vessel)
• Impressed geometric dec
• “KUI” (abstract Dragon)

48. Confronting KUI   “TAOTIE” Mask

49. “TAOTIE” Mask

50. “TAOTIE” Masks

52. Bronze DING w/ Taotie Motif

53. BRONZE =
EPITOME of Shang Art
• SHAPES
• SCALE
• SURFACE DEC

54. SHAPES

55. SHANG: L: Liding R: Gu

56. SCALE
Fangding

57. SURFACE DECORATION

58. “HIERATIC MOTIFS”
• Symbolic (ritual)
• Decorative 
EXPRESSIVE Art Form!
 Liding with “THREAD RELIEF”

59. Liding with “THREAD RELIEF”

60. c. 12th Century FANG DING

61. LATER Shang Bronze Li-Ding

63. 2 Shang ANIMAL MOTIF Themes
1. “REALISTIC”
2. “MYTHICAL”
 1: Owl-shaped Wine Vessel
 2: Taotie Motif

64. Some combine BOTH!

65. Wine Vessel

66. Bronze YU (bucket):
• Monster
• Human
• KUI
• Cat
• Deer

67. 1. “REALISTIC” Examples:

68. Round Vessel
w/ RAM Heads

71. Owl & Boar Bronze Containers

72. LATER Shang
Bronze Ding
(“Realistic Style”)

73. 2. “MYTHICAL” Examples:

74. “TAOTIE” Mask

75. Bronze AX (Yue)
w/ Taotie

76. Bronze Bell
w/Taotie Motif

77. Fang Ding Taotie (detail)

79. Some Shang RITUAL VESSEL TYPES…
LIDING =
3 LEGS

81. LI-DING

82. FANG-DING

83. GU:
Tall Wine Goblet
 TREAGER Fig 14

84. ZUN:
Wide-Mouth VASE
See TREAGER Fig 20

85. 2. What’s the “epitome” of Shang art (medium)?
3. What’s this MOTIF called? T_______ mask.

86. Shang Bronze INSCRIPTIONS
and Origins of Writing

87. The SIMUWU Ding (Shang)
Cast by Shang Emperor for
Mother
3 characters inscription
(inside):
• SI = sacrificial ceremony
• MUWU = mother’s name

88. Shang ORIGINS of WRITING

89. Shang Dynasty

91. “ORACLE BONES”

93. ORACLE BONES:
• Used by ancient “Diviners”
• For Shang Kings
• TOPICS include: good days for
hunting, warfare, weather,
ceremonies, etc.

95. Bronze Inscriptions

96. Beginnings of WRITING
• c. 5th cent BCE: writings on BAMBOO STRIPS
• Hist & Admin writings
• Earliest ms’s of famous phil texts (Laozu)
• “Classical Chinese" (wenyan): same  19th century
• Standardization of writing by
1st Emperor of Qin (unified
China in 221 BCE)
• Qin script: official style
• Calligraphic style = “Clerical
Script" (LISHU): still readable
today!

97. Shang TOMB EXCAVATION

98. STONE CHIME

99. JADE BLADES

100. Other Shang Tomb Treasures: JADE

102. Jade “BI” =
RITUAL DISK

103. Ritual Jade ZONG (TREAGER Fig 24)

104. Jade “ZONG” Ritual Objects

105. Shang Jade
Kneeling Figure
(Note royal Hairstyle
& fancy Girdle-Knot)

106. JADE PLAQUES & PENDENTS

108. STATUS & DECORATION
ZHOU DYNASTY: 1111-221 BCE

109. SHANG Dynasty: 1766-1111BCE ZHOU Dynasty: 1111-221 BCE
Shang defeated by ZHOU Warrior Clan. ZHOU = DIVIDED Period:
> W. ZHOU: 1111-771: Chang’an
> E. ZHOU: 771-481: Luoyan
> WARRING STATES: c. 481-221

110. Timeline of Chinese Dynasties and Other Key Events
ca. 2100-1600 BCE Xia (Hsia) Dynasty
ca. 1600-1050 BCE Shang Dynasty Capitals: near present-day Zhengzhou and Anyang
ca. 1046-256 BCE Zhou (Chou) Dynasty Capitals: Hao (near present-day Xi'an) and Luoyang
Western Zhou (ca. 1046-771 BCE)
Eastern Zhou (ca. 771-256 BCE)
Spring and Autumn Period (770-ca. 475 BCE)
Confucius (ca. 551-479 BCE)
Warring States Period (ca. 475-221 BCE)
221-206 BCE Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty Capital: Chang'an, present-day Xi'an
Qin Shihuangdi dies, 210 BCE
206 BCE-220 CE Han Dynasty
Western/Former Han (206 BCE-9 CE) Capital: Chang'an
Confucianism officially established as basis for Chinese state by Han Wudi (r. 141-86 BCE)
Eastern/Later Han (25-220 CE) Capital: Luoyang
220-589 CE Six Dynasties Period Period of disunity and instability following the fall of the Han
Buddhism introduced to China
Three Kingdoms (220-265 CE) Cao Wei, Shu Han, Dong Wu
Jin Dynasty (265-420 CE)
Period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589 CE)
581-618 CE Sui Dynasty Capital: Chang'an
618-906 CE Tang (T'ang) Dynasty Capitals: Chang'an and Luoyang
907-960 CE Five Dynasties Period
960-1279 Song (Sung) Dynasty
Northern Song (960-1127) Capital: Bianjing (present-day Kaifeng)
Southern Song (1127-1279) Capital: Lin'an (present-day Hangzhou)
1279-1368 Yuan Dynasty The reign of the Mongol empire; Capital: Dadu (present-day Beijing)
1368-1644 Ming Dynasty Re-establishment of rule by Han ruling house; Capitals: Nanjing and Beijing
1644-1912 Qing (Ch'ing) Dynasty Reign of the Manchus; Capital: Beijing
1912-1949 Republic Period Capitals: Beijing, Wuhan, and Nanjing
1949-present People's Republic of China Capital: Beijing

111. ZHOU Changes:
• No more “GOD-King”
• STATUS: now relative
King Wen of Zhou
(Founder of the Zhou Dynasty)

112. Zhou BRONZES
CHARACTERISTICS:
1. SECULAR motifs
2. EXAGGERATION (“flanges”)
3. More INSCRIPTIONS

113. Zhou BRONZES
CHARACTERISTICS:
1. SECULAR motifs
2. EXAGGERATION (flanges)
3. More INSCRIPTIONS
 TREAGER Fig 25
Zhou YU (Bucket)
Zhou YU (Bucket)

114. SHANG vs ZHOU
c. 1766 – 1111 BC c. 1111 – 221 BC
(Bronze)
Key Differences

115. Zhou STATUS  “Culture of COMPETITION”

116. W. ZHOU:
Bronze Bust
w/ Gilt Mask
Bronze Priest (?) 

117. ZHOU
Bronze & Gilt
Buckle

118. ZHOU
Pectoral found in a Tomb:
Jade, Agate, Turquoise

119. W. ZHOU
Bronze
(Horse Ornament)

120. W. ZHOU
Bronze
“Fantastic Being”
sculpture

121. W. ZHOU
Bronze Ding

122. 2 Types of ZHOU DEPOSITS:
HOARDS & TOMBS

123. TOMB Treasure: Zhou Jade “BI”

124. Chinese “Mausoleums” (Tombs)
Neolithic Burial: Banpo

126. Shang & Zhou:
Human & Animal SACRIFICES

128. “Death approximates Life.”

129. “DARK PALACES” (Burial Mounds)

130. Feng Shui

131. Zhou Tomb Treasures

133.  Outer
& Inner Coffins

134. Marquis Yi

137. LACQUER Coffin of Yi

138. Tomb of Yi:
ZUN

141. TOMB Treasure: Zhou Jade “BI”

142. Tomb of KING CUO (c. 320-308 BCE)

143. “Center”
(ideogram)
Tomb of King Cuo

145. “Center”
Tomb of King Cuo

146. Gilded Bronze Belt Buckle Bronze Candlestick Holder

147. King Cuo’s Gilt Bronze Buckle (w/ gold, silver, turquoise)

151. Bronze w/Inlaid Gold “BIXIE”

152. Bronze “BIXIE”:
• Mythical Son of Dragon
• Good Fortune
• Attracts Wealth
• Repels Evil

153. Tomb: A DOOR to the AFTERLIFE

154. Embroidered Silk SHROUD (detail)

155. Making SILK

156. 4. List the 2 TYPES of Zhou DEPOSITS:
a. ____________________
b. ____________________
5. Zhou KING CUO’s tomb is shaped like an IDEOGRAM that
MEANS WHAT?

157. Warring States: EXPLOSION OF ART!
“Culture of COMPETITION”

158. “Warring States”  Demise of ZHOU
“Culture of Competition”!!!

159. Summary
SHANG (1766—1111 BCE):
• Rituals & Ceremonies
• Divine Ruler
• Hieratic Motifs
ZHOU DYNASTY (1111-221 BCE):
• Social Status
• “Culture of Competition”
• Exaggerated Style: “Flanges”

160. III. Nationalism & Expression
SHANG: God-King, Rituals, Hieratic Motifs
ZHOU: Secular, Social Status, Exaggerated
“Culture of Competition”
QIN & HAN: Myths & DAILY LIFE
Narrative & EXPRESSIVE Art
Political UNITY

161. Timeline of Chinese Dynasties and Other Key Events
ca. 2100-1600 BCE Xia (Hsia) Dynasty
ca. 1600-1050 BCE Shang Dynasty Capitals: near present-day Zhengzhou and Anyang
ca. 1046-256 BCE Zhou (Chou) Dynasty Capitals: Hao (near present-day Xi'an) and Luoyang
Western Zhou (ca. 1046-771 BCE)
Eastern Zhou (ca. 771-256 BCE) Spring and Autumn Period
(770-ca. 475 BCE)
Confucius (ca. 551-479 BCE)
Warring States Period (ca. 475-221 BCE)
221-206 BCE Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty Capital: Chang'an, present-day Xi'an
Qin Shihuangdi dies, 210 BCE
206 BCE-220 CE Han Dynasty
Western/Former Han (206 BCE-9 CE) Capital: Chang'an
Confucianism officially established as basis for Chinese state by Han Wudi (r. 141-86 BCE)
Eastern/Later Han (25-220 CE) Capital: Luoyang
220-589 CE Six Dynasties Period Period of disunity and instability following the fall of the Han
Buddhism introduced to China
Three Kingdoms (220-265 CE) Cao Wei, Shu Han, Dong Wu
Jin Dynasty (265-420 CE)
Period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589 CE)
581-618 CE Sui Dynasty Capital: Chang'an
618-906 CE Tang (T'ang) Dynasty Capitals: Chang'an and Luoyang
907-960 CE Five Dynasties Period
960-1279 Song (Sung) Dynasty
Northern Song (960-1127) Capital: Bianjing (present-day Kaifeng)
Southern Song (1127-1279) Capital: Lin'an (present-day Hangzhou)
1279-1368 Yuan Dynasty The reign of the Mongol empire; Capital: Dadu (present-day Beijing)
1368-1644 Ming Dynasty Re-establishment of rule by Han ruling house; Capitals: Nanjing and Beijing
1644-1912 Qing (Ch'ing) Dynasty Reign of the Manchus; Capital: Beijing
1912-1949 Republic Period Capitals: Beijing, Wuhan, and Nanjing
1949-present People's Republic of China Capital: Beijing

162. QIN Dynasty: 221 - 206 BC
SHANG & ZHOU: King = “Wang”
246 BC: “Wang Zheng of Qin”
221 BC: Unites 7 Warring States
From “Wang”  “Huangdi” (Emperor)
 “Qin Shihuangdi”

163. Qin Shihuangdi:
The 1st “YELLOW EMPEROR”

170. Xin’s Insanity & DEATH

171. Qin’s Terra Cotta Army (Xi’an)

180. “Death approximates Life.”

184. Key “Aesthetic” Characteristics:
• Realism
• Technical Skill
• Individualized
• Lively

185. Key “Aesthetic” Characteristics:
• Realism
• Technical Skill
• Individualized
• Lively

186. Key “Aesthetic” Characteristics:
• Realism
• Technical Skill
• Individualized
• Lively

194. Innermost Sanctum?

195. High Museum
Tomb Fly-Thru Animation???

197. 6. Who was Qin Shihuangdi?
China’s 1st ___________.

198. 7. Qin built Great Wall to protect Empire from WHO?

199. (Note EXPANSION)
QIN (221-206 BC)
 HAN (206 BC – AD 221)

200. Timeline of Chinese Dynasties and Other Key Events
ca. 2100-1600 BCE Xia (Hsia) Dynasty
ca. 1600-1050 BCE Shang Dynasty Capitals: near present-day Zhengzhou and Anyang
ca. 1046-256 BCE Zhou (Chou) Dynasty Capitals: Hao (near present-day Xi'an) and Luoyang
Western Zhou (ca. 1046-771 BCE)
Eastern Zhou (ca. 771-256 BCE)
Spring and Autumn Period (770-ca. 475 BCE)
Confucius (ca. 551-479 BCE)
Warring States Period (ca. 475-221 BCE)
221-206 BCE Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty Capital: Chang'an, present-day Xi'an
Qin Shihuangdi dies, 210 BCE
206 BCE-220 CE Han Dynasty
Western/Former Han (206 BCE-9 CE) Capital: Chang'an
Confucianism officially established as basis for Chinese state by Han Wudi (r. 141-86 BCE)
Eastern/Later Han (25-220 CE) Capital: Luoyang
220-589 CE Six Dynasties Period Period of disunity and instability following the fall of the Han
Buddhism introduced to China
Three Kingdoms (220-265 CE) Cao Wei, Shu Han, Dong Wu
Jin Dynasty (265-420 CE)
Period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589 CE)
581-618 CE Sui Dynasty Capital: Chang'an
618-906 CE Tang (T'ang) Dynasty Capitals: Chang'an and Luoyang
907-960 CE Five Dynasties Period
960-1279 Song (Sung) Dynasty
Northern Song (960-1127) Capital: Bianjing (present-day Kaifeng)
Southern Song (1127-1279) Capital: Lin'an (present-day Hangzhou)
1279-1368 Yuan Dynasty The reign of the Mongol empire; Capital: Dadu (present-day Beijing)
1368-1644 Ming Dynasty Re-establishment of rule by Han ruling house; Capitals: Nanjing and Beijing
1644-1912 Qing (Ch'ing) Dynasty Reign of the Manchus; Capital: Beijing
1912-1949 Republic Period Capitals: Beijing, Wuhan, and Nanjing
1949-present People's Republic of China Capital: Beijing

201. 6th – 5th CENTURY BCE:
Major WORLD Philosophers:
•Buddha (563-483)
•Lao-Tzu (c. 6th – 5th? cent BCE): Tao Te Ching
•Xenophanes (560-478)
•Confucius (551-479)
•Heraclitus (540-480)
LAO TZU CONFUCIUS

202. CONFUCIANISM
Confucius = “Master K’ung” (551-479 BCE)
(During ZHOU Period)

203. The Analects
• Written by
Confucius’s
STUDENTS
• They took detailed
NOTES when he
spoke
• “The Master” =
Confucius
Confucius with his Students

204. Confucius (551-479 BCE):
A TRAVELING Philosopher
Importance of “Hierarchical” Society
5 “Confucian Virtues”:
1) Benevolence
2) Righteousness
3) Propriety
4) Wisdom
5) Trustworthiness
• Ideal Ruler rules by MORAL
EXAMPLE
• Supreme VIRTUE: OBEDIENCE

205. From HAN on…
Confucianism institutionalized (gov)
• Ideal of Scholar/Administrator
• Growth of Bureaucracy
• Focus of Ancestor Veneration: Tombs & “SHRINES”

206. HAN Dynasty: 206 BC – AD 221
Period of EXPANSION:

207. Timeline of Chinese Dynasties and Other Key Events
ca. 2100-1600 BCE Xia (Hsia) Dynasty
ca. 1600-1050 BCE Shang Dynasty Capitals: near present-day Zhengzhou and Anyang
ca. 1046-256 BCE Zhou (Chou) Dynasty Capitals: Hao (near present-day Xi'an) and Luoyang
Western Zhou (ca. 1046-771 BCE)
Eastern Zhou (ca. 771-256 BCE) Spring and Autumn Period
(770-ca. 475 BCE)
Confucius (ca. 551-479 BCE)
Warring States Period (ca. 475-221 BCE)
221-206 BCE Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty Capital: Chang'an, present-day Xi'an
Qin Shihuangdi dies, 210 BCE
206 BCE-220 CE Han Dynasty
Western/Former Han (206 BCE-9 CE) Capital: Chang'an
Confucianism officially established as basis for Chinese state by Han Wudi (r. 141-86 BCE)
Eastern/Later Han (25-220 CE) Capital: Luoyang
220-589 CE Six Dynasties Period Period of disunity and instability following the fall of the Han
Buddhism introduced to China
Three Kingdoms (220-265 CE) Cao Wei, Shu Han, Dong Wu
Jin Dynasty (265-420 CE)
Period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589 CE)
581-618 CE Sui Dynasty Capital: Chang'an
618-906 CE Tang (T'ang) Dynasty Capitals: Chang'an and Luoyang
907-960 CE Five Dynasties Period
960-1279 Song (Sung) Dynasty
Northern Song (960-1127) Capital: Bianjing (present-day Kaifeng)
Southern Song (1127-1279) Capital: Lin'an (present-day Hangzhou)
1279-1368 Yuan Dynasty The reign of the Mongol empire; Capital: Dadu (present-day Beijing)
1368-1644 Ming Dynasty Re-establishment of rule by Han ruling house; Capitals: Nanjing and Beijing
1644-1912 Qing (Ch'ing) Dynasty Reign of the Manchus; Capital: Beijing
1912-1949 Republic Period Capitals: Beijing, Wuhan, and Nanjing
1949-present People's Republic of China Capital: Beijing

208. HAN = A “Golden Age”
Calligraphy
Painting
“Literati”

209. Calligraphy
Painting (expressive)
“Literati”
HAN = “Golden Age”

210. HAN DYNASTY TOMB MURALS: Narrative Paintings

212.  Guardians of Day & Night
Paintings on Ceramic Tiles
Impressed Designs
& Low-Relief Carvings

213. Stamped Brick
 Hunting
 Farming

214. Han “Paradise Realm”  Later Landscapes

215. Mawangdui Tomb Funeral Banner (c. 168 BC)
4 Mythocentric Levels:
1: Top (HEAVENS)

216. Mawangdui Tomb Funeral Banner (c. 168 BC)
4 Mythocentric Levels:
1) Top (HEAVENS)

217. 2nd: EARTHLY REALMS

218. 3rd: “HOUSE Offerings”

219. 4th: UNDERWORLD

221. Tomb Door

222. Han JADE BURIAL SUIT

224. Note ORIFICE PLUGS

225. Tomb Treasures of
Prince Liu Sheng
& Princess Dou Wan
Liu Sheng: Tomb Entrance Archaeologists at Work

226. Gilt bronze tsun wine vessel
with mountain scenes and animal feet

227. Gilded bronze double
cups with turquoise inlay
(jade ring in mouth)

228. Inlaid bronze incense burner

229. Bronze Bear

230. Bronze leopards inlaid with gold and silver.

231. Glazed Earthenware Watchtower (model)

234. Bronze Oil Lamp
Kneeling Servant Girl

235. Han JADE Horse Head
“CELESTIAL Horses”

236. Flying Horse Of Gansu
(bronze)

238. Southern: W. JIN (219-316)
E. JIN (317-419)
Cap = NANJING
Northern: N. WEI (386-532)
W. WEI (534-554)
Northern & Southern Dynasties
 E. JIN Tomb Mural (Nanjing)

239. Timeline of Chinese Dynasties and Other Key Events
ca. 2100-1600 BCE Xia (Hsia) Dynasty
ca. 1600-1050 BCE Shang Dynasty Capitals: near present-day Zhengzhou and Anyang
ca. 1046-256 BCE Zhou (Chou) Dynasty Capitals: Hao (near present-day Xi'an) and Luoyang
Western Zhou (ca. 1046-771 BCE)
Eastern Zhou (ca. 771-256 BCE) Spring and Autumn Period
(770-ca. 475 BCE)
Confucius (ca. 551-479 BCE)
Warring States Period (ca. 475-221 BCE)
221-206 BCE Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty Capital: Chang'an, present-day Xi'an
Qin Shihuangdi dies, 210 BCE
206 BCE-220 CE Han Dynasty
Western/Former Han (206 BCE-9 CE) Capital: Chang'an
Confucianism officially established as basis for Chinese state by Han Wudi (r. 141-86 BCE)
Eastern/Later Han (25-220 CE) Capital: Luoyang
220-589 CE Six Dynasties Period Period of disunity and instability following the fall of the Han
Buddhism introduced to China
Three Kingdoms (220-265 CE) Cao Wei, Shu Han, Dong Wu
Jin Dynasty (265-420 CE)
Period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589 CE)
581-618 CE Sui Dynasty Capital: Chang'an
618-906 CE Tang (T'ang) Dynasty Capitals: Chang'an and Luoyang
907-960 CE Five Dynasties Period
960-1279 Song (Sung) Dynasty
Northern Song (960-1127) Capital: Bianjing (present-day Kaifeng)
Southern Song (1127-1279) Capital: Lin'an (present-day Hangzhou)
1279-1368 Yuan Dynasty The reign of the Mongol empire; Capital: Dadu (present-day Beijing)
1368-1644 Ming Dynasty Re-establishment of rule by Han ruling house; Capitals: Nanjing and Beijing
1644-1912 Qing (Ch'ing) Dynasty Reign of the Manchus; Capital: Beijing
1912-1949 Republic Period Capitals: Beijing, Wuhan, and Nanjing
1949-present People's Republic of China Capital: Beijing

240. Eastern JIN Tomb Art: “CULTURAL REFINEMENT”
“7 Sages of Bamboo”

241. E. JIN Tomb Art: “CULTURAL REFINEMENT”

242. Northern Styles (WEI): 386-554

243. Screens from Tomb of Sima Jinlong
d. 484 AD (N. WEI)
Subject: Biographies of Exemplary Women

244. Screens from Tomb of Sima Jinlong
Subject: Biographies of Exemplary Women
 Mythical Sage-Emperor
 3 Exemplary Zhou Mothers
 A Respected Woman Teacher
 Story of Legendary Concubine (Ban)

245. “Didactic” Purpose
Copies of S. WEI scrolls

246. Lady Yuan Coffin?: Scenes of Filial Piety

247. SUMMARY
Nationalism & Expression:
• Myths / Daily Life
• Narrative / Expressive Art
• Political Unity

248. IV. TAOISM & TAOIST ART
• Intro to Taoism
• Taoist Art

249. Chuang Tzu’s “Butterfly Dream”
Was he then a man dreaming that
he was a butterfly?
OR now a butterfly dreaming
that he is a man?

250. Cultural Contexts
• The “Middle Kingdom”
• “Land of the Dragon”

251. The “Celestial” (Heavenly) DRAGON

252. Intro to Taoism: Cultural Contexts
771-256 BCE (before China was unified):
Eastern Zhou Dynasty
"Spring & Autumn Period”: 771-481 BC:
IRON discovered & used to help in Agriculture (Population Growth)
CONFLICT between City-States
Burst in PHILOSOPHY (“The 100 Schools of Thought”)

253. Founder of Taoism: LAO TZU
604-531 BCE
Older contemporary of
CONFUCIUS (551-479 BCE)
LAO TZU (“Wise Old Man”):
Author of the Tao-te-Ching
(key text of Taoism)

254. Tao Te Ching
TAO = “The Way”
DE = Integrity & Virtue
CHING = Great Book/Classic
“Great Classic of the Way of Virtue”

255. Key Taoist Concepts
Wei Wu Wei:
“Action without action”
“Effortless doing”
Key metaphor: WATER

256. Key Taoist Concepts
Pu:
“The Un-Carved Block”
Passive state of
RECEPTIVENESS
Pure & limitless
POTENTIAL

257. Key Taoist Concepts
The Tao:
“The WAY” of Life:
Harmony of “opposites”:
No day without night,
No light w/out dark
No male w/out female
No mountains w/out valleys
etc…

258. Key Taoist Concepts
“YIN-YANG”:
SYMBOL OF TAOISM
Inter-dependence of
apparent opposites
Complementary opposites
within a greater whole

259. “YIN-YANG” symbolism:
YIN = black, female, receptive,
yielding, negative, and nurturing.
Associated with night, valleys,
rivers, streams, water, metal, and
earth.
YANG = white, male, active,
dominating, positive, and
initiating/creating.
Associated with day, mountains,
hills, fire, wood, and air.

260. Taoist “Sages” Admiring a “YIN-YANG Symbol Scroll”

261. Key Taoist Concepts
“LI” & “CHI”
“LI” = Physical, material
reality
“CHI” = Spiritual energy

262. TAOIST ART
Influenced art for centuries (up to today!)
Exemplifies “YIN-YANG” concepts:
 Yin-Yang Symbol
Symbolizes “LI” & “CHI” Dynamics:
“LI” = PHYSICAL/MATERIAL REALITY
“CHI” = PURE SPIRITUAL ENERGY

263. A “TAOIST” VASE
“CHI”: Spiritual Energy:
ideal perfection of the
form of this vase
“LI”: The “crackling
glaze”: reminds us of
the Physical Reality of
this vase

264. A Taoist “Hanging Scroll Painting”
• “LI”: The PHYSICAL, MATERIAL
REALITY of the forbidding and
treacherous terrain.
• “LI” + “CHI”: The immense SPIRITUAL
ENERGY of the human Travelers (“CHI”)
as they confront the “LI” of Nature on
their Journey.
• PURE “CHI”: The Mountain as “the
FACE OF GOD.”
 FAN KUAN, Travelers in Mountains and Streams
China: Northern Song Dynasty (c. 950 AD)

265.  FAN KUAN, Travelers in Mountains and Streams
Northern Song Dynasty
“He who paints the Mountain
paints the “FACE OF GOD.”

266. A Taoist “Hanging Scroll Painting”
• “LI”: The PHYSICAL, MATERIAL
REALITY of the forbidding and
treacherous terrain.
• “LI” + “CHI”: The immense SPIRITUAL
ENERGY of the human Travelers (“CHI”)
as they confront the “LI” of Nature on
their Journey.
• PURE “CHI”: The Mountain as “the
FACE OF GOD.”
 FAN KUAN, Travelers in Mountains and Streams
China: Northern Song Dynasty (c. 950 AD)

267. Timeline of Chinese Dynasties and Other Key Events
ca. 2100-1600 BCE Xia (Hsia) Dynasty
ca. 1600-1050 BCE Shang Dynasty Capitals: near present-day Zhengzhou and Anyang
ca. 1046-256 BCE Zhou (Chou) Dynasty Capitals: Hao (near present-day Xi'an) and Luoyang
Western Zhou (ca. 1046-771 BCE)
Eastern Zhou (ca. 771-256 BCE)
Spring and Autumn Period (770-ca. 475 BCE)
Confucius (ca. 551-479 BCE)
Warring States Period (ca. 475-221 BCE)
221-206 BCE Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty Capital: Chang'an, present-day Xi'an
Qin Shihuangdi dies, 210 BCE
206 BCE-220 CE Han Dynasty
Western/Former Han (206 BCE-9 CE) Capital: Chang'an
Confucianism officially established as basis for Chinese state by Han Wudi (r. 141-86 BCE)
Eastern/Later Han (25-220 CE) Capital: Luoyang
220-589 CE Six Dynasties Period Period of disunity and instability following the fall of the Han
Buddhism introduced to China
Three Kingdoms (220-265 CE) Cao Wei, Shu Han, Dong Wu
Jin Dynasty (265-420 CE)
Period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589 CE)
581-618 CE Sui Dynasty Capital: Chang'an
618-906 CE Tang (T'ang) Dynasty Capitals: Chang'an and Luoyang
907-960 CE Five Dynasties Period
960-1279 Song (Sung) Dynasty
Northern Song (960-1127) Capital: Bianjing (present-day Kaifeng)
Southern Song (1127-1279) Capital: Lin'an (present-day Hangzhou)
1279-1368 Yuan Dynasty The reign of the Mongol empire; Capital: Dadu (present-day Beijing)
1368-1644 Ming Dynasty Re-establishment of rule by Han ruling house; Capitals: Nanjing and Beijing
1644-1912 Qing (Ch'ing) Dynasty Reign of the Manchus; Capital: Beijing
1912-1949 Republic Period Capitals: Beijing, Wuhan, and Nanjing
1949-present People's Republic of China Capital: Beijing

268. LI CHENG, Solitary Temple Amidst Mountain Peaks
China: Northern Song Dynasty (c. 950 AD)

269. 8. WHY is China “The Middle Kingdom”?

270. 9a. The TAO = “The ______ of __________.”
b. ID this symbol:

271. LI CHENG, Solitary Temple Amidst Mountain Peaks
China: Northern Song Dynasty (c. 950 AD)
10. “He who paints the _______
paints the face of _______.”

272. Timeline of Chinese Dynasties and Other Key Events
ca. 2100-1600 BCE Xia (Hsia) Dynasty
ca. 1600-1050 BCE Shang Dynasty Capitals: near present-day Zhengzhou and Anyang
ca. 1046-256 BCE Zhou (Chou) Dynasty Capitals: Hao (near present-day Xi'an) and Luoyang
Western Zhou (ca. 1046-771 BCE)
Eastern Zhou (ca. 771-256 BCE)
Spring and Autumn Period (770-ca. 475 BCE)
Confucius (ca. 551-479 BCE)
Warring States Period (ca. 475-221 BCE)
221-206 BCE Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty Capital: Chang'an, present-day Xi'an
Qin Shihuangdi dies, 210 BCE
206 BCE-220 CE Han Dynasty
Western/Former Han (206 BCE-9 CE) Capital: Chang'an
Confucianism officially established as basis for Chinese state by Han Wudi (r. 141-86 BCE)
Eastern/Later Han (25-220 CE) Capital: Luoyang
220-589 CE Six Dynasties Period Period of disunity and instability following the fall of the Han
Buddhism introduced to China
Three Kingdoms (220-265 CE) Cao Wei, Shu Han, Dong Wu
Jin Dynasty (265-420 CE)
Period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589 CE)
581-618 CE Sui Dynasty Capital: Chang'an
618-906 CE Tang (T'ang) Dynasty Capitals: Chang'an and Luoyang
907-960 CE Five Dynasties Period
960-1279 Song (Sung) Dynasty
Northern Song (960-1127) Capital: Bianjing (present-day Kaifeng)
Southern Song (1127-1279) Capital: Lin'an (present-day Hangzhou)
1279-1368 Yuan Dynasty The reign of the Mongol empire; Capital: Dadu (present-day Beijing)
1368-1644 Ming Dynasty Re-establishment of rule by Han ruling house; Capitals: Nanjing and Beijing
1644-1912 Qing (Ch'ing) Dynasty Reign of the Manchus; Capital: Beijing
1912-1949 Republic Period Capitals: Beijing, Wuhan, and Nanjing
1949-present People's Republic of China Capital: Beijing

273. GOOGLE ART GALLERY:
Tang Courtly Sculpture & Painting