Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifs: A Comprehensive Handbook on Symbolism in Chinese Art through the Ages
Sign in to keep track of books you’ve read and want to read.
This fourth revised edition of Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifs, first published in Shanghai in 1941, features an introduction by Dr. Terence Barrow, has been completely reset and now uses the Pinyin pronunciation of Chinese names and words.
Read more
The Eight Immortals, the five elements, the dragon and the phoenix, yinand yang—representations of these important cultural symbols are pervasive in Chinese literature, art and architecture. Without an understanding of their significance, much Chinese history, folklore and culture can't be fully appreciated. In this comprehensive handbook, C.A.S. Williams offers concise explanations—and over 400 illustrations—of these essential symbols and motifs. Arranged alphabetically for easy access, the book not only explains essential cultural symbols, accompanied by their Chinese characters, but also contains many articles on Chinese beliefs, customs, arts and crafts, food, agriculture, and medicine. This book has become a standard reference volume for students of China and Chinese culture.
For those who are visiting China, Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifsis an indispensable guide to the Middle Kingdom's artistic and architectural wonders. For the general reader, it is a valuable compendium of fascinating sinological lore.
Liked Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifs: A Comprehensive Handbook on Symbolism in Chinese Art through the Ages? Here’s where I’d start.
These suit anyone who liked Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifs: A Comprehensive Handbook on Symbolism in Chinese Art through the Ages. Sign in and mark a few books for picks shaped around your own taste.
-
Ten Years of Madness: Oral Histories of China's Cultural Revolution Shares China, culture, history -
Never Forget National Humiliation: Historical Memory in Chinese Politics and Foreign Relations Shares China, culture, history -
The Man Awakened from Dreams: One Man’s Life in a North China Village, 1857-1942 Shares China, history -
Chinese Propaganda Posters: From the Collection of Michael Wolf Shares China, art, history
