Objectives

China is both ancient and very young. There are bountiful stores of monuments stretching back into Paleolithic and Neolithic times. At the same time, archaeologists believe that they have only begun to scratch the surface of Chinese history. It is this situation that accounts for the spectacular finds that come to light in China every few years (such as the clay soldiers from the mausoleum of Shihuangdi, first discovered in 1974). The materials that are at hand demonstrate a complex and fascinating chapter in human history, including Chinese influences on Korean culture and arts. Your objective for this chapter is to gain an understanding of the richness of Chinese art history.

Goals for this chapter include:

• Establish a chronological framework of major periods (dynasties) in which works of art belong.

• Familiarize yourself with the major geographical divisions of China.

• Acquire a familiarity with the major religious and philosophical threads that have played important roles in Chinese cultural life, and particular Chinese influences on Korean culture.

• Learn to appreciate the brushstroke as the basis of all Chinese painting.

• Delve into the non-Western concept of spatial organization and presentation that exists in Chinese two-dimensional art.