China is one of the world's oldest surviving civilizations in the
world. From the Xia Dynasty in (2100-1700 BCE) up to the Qing Dynasty
(1644-1911), China's colorful history is not only exclusively told in
textbooks but also clearly depicted in real life in the form of
sculptures, paintings, potteries, jade jewelries and even Terra cottars
that guard China's most successful king.
Characteristics of Chinese Arts
China's
cultural awareness and development came into being depending on the
dynasties that ruled each historical period as well as the trade
relations it has with its neighbors. In the early days of Chinese arts,
people were attuned with nature and as such, most of the cultural pieces
found depict nature as its central theme. Paintings or calligraphists
show landscapes, animals, plants (commonly bamboo or flowers).
As
time passes and dynasties changed, religious and social themes became
popular especially in depicting Confucian and Buddhism teachings.
Paintings showcase important government figures such as the emperor, the
magistrates and generals representing wisdom and benevolence to the
people and serving as a warning to evil doers.
Symbolism has also
played an important role in Chinese arts as the people believe that
objects represent morals and human qualities. Many paintings have bamboo
drawn representing a person's strong spirit, jades represent purity and
dragons often symbolize the emperor.
Effects of Dynasties on China's Art
The Sang Dynasty is known as the Bronze Age in Chinese history as the use
of bronze reached its peak at that time. Bronze was used for ritual
vases as well as art decorations. Chinese calligraphy also became
popular during these times and varying degrees of brushstrokes were used
to create a painting.
The Zhou Dynasty changed the demand for
bronze as medium of art with the use of iron and became known as the
Iron Age for the Chinese people. Sculptures were made with iron and
ornaments made of the metal were inlaid with gold and silver.
The
Qin Dynasty paved the way for a unified China. Although art was not
given priority, the Qin gave the world the terracotta army. The
Terracotta army is composed of 8000 statues and 520 horses and thousands
of craftsmen and workers for the emperor to guard him in the afterlife.
Another
great contributor to the country's art and culture is the Han Dynasty.
The dynasty was known for its export of silk and introduction of
lacquer. It was also responsible for the development of paper production
thus increasing the materials for painting and writing.
Want to learn more about China's art? Visit the site today to see the latest paintings and exhibitions of popular
Chinese artists.
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