Table of Contents
Overview
What is conceived of and studied as “Chinese art” has changed dramatically since the inception of Western scholarship on the art and artists of China during the mid-nineteenth century. This guide to Chinese art studies spans a period from the Neolithic Age to roughly the mid-nineteenth century (for works from the nineteenth century onward, see the Chinese art: Modern and contemporary guide), while the boundaries of “China” shift throughout the centuries. Although the research guide is broadly organized by medium for ease of use, this is by no means intended to pigeonhole the included texts, which often make thematic interconnections that cross media, period, and spaces. The books were chosen with an eye toward a balance between introductory texts that provide quick summaries and further resources for a particular subfield with more advanced and recent specialist studies that are considered classics in the field, have been widely influential, or present provocative readings. Focused studies have also been selected to indicate major art historical concerns in the study of Chinese art, such as mediality, culturally-mediated visuality, or the interplay between popular and elite culture.
Synopses of the books along with chapter headings are often provided in the Searchworks record; here, the accompanying summaries attempt to situate the greater background and academic interventions of the author, as well as recommending critical sections or chapters. “Source Texts” are original texts on art in English translation, while “Primary Sources” are works in library collections that provide firsthand experience with researching objects.
This guide was created by Christine Ho, a Ph.D. candidate in Art History in the Department of Art & Art History, and Hui-Chi Lo, a recent Ph.D. graduate in Art History in the Department of Art & Art History.
Introductory texts
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Early art
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Painting
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Court arts
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Calligraphy
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Religious art
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Architecture and gardens
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Source texts
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