The Chinese Art Book

About this book

The Chinese Art Book is a beautifully presented authoritative and unprecedented overview of Chinese art. The book examines the art of the oldest continuous civilization on Earth through 300 works from the (earliest dynasties) Neolithic period to the new generation of contemporary artists enlivening the global art world today. Every form of Chinese visual art is featured including painting calligraphy sculpture ceramics figurines jades bronzes gold and silver photography video installation and performance art. Concise descriptive essays place each work in context and cross-references lead the reader on a fascinating journey through Chinese art history. The Chinese Art Book features an introductory essay by Colin Mackenzie Senior Curator of Chinese Art at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art an accessible summary of Chinese political and cultural history a comprehensive glossary defining technical terms and an illustrated timeline. Full of surprises for the reader new to Chinese art as well as for specialists the book breaks new ground by pairing works that speak to one another in unexpected ways enlightening historical stylistic and cultural connections. Currently the market for Chinese art is one of the hottest and fastest growing in the world. The Chinese Art Book is the book that the global art community has been waiting for.