Subjects:
Art can be used to study the progression of a civilization through time. Art is usually used to express one’s beliefs religiously, politically, and sometimes as a source of communication, which is accomplished through imagery. Symbols in works of art can be related to nature and myths.1 From the beginning of Chinese history, art and philosophy worked hand-in-hand with the creation of a work of art. Chinese art was used as evidence of a person’s behavior and attitude towards nature and other beings (e.g. the nicer the painting the better the person.)2
During the seventh and eighth centuries Chinese art was at its peak. China at this time was under the jurisdiction of the T’ang Dynasty. Because of the beautiful work being manufactured China became a multinational society. Paintings and sculptures were not the only works that China would receive admiration for. Their music and literature (poems which sometimes explained works of art) were also at their richest points,3
T’ang art has incomparable vigor, realism, dignity… There is an optimism, an energy, a frank acceptance of tangible reality which gives the same character to all T’ang
. . .
Sharon Matute September 26, 1999
Art 101- 007 Professor Sax
African carvings were not considered to be works of art to the African people. Craftsmen would sometimes study a piece of Jade for many years before deciding what to do with it. The seventh senior is walking with the assistance of a bamboo stick and his boy attendant is following behind him. When the artist first receives the material he would not begin to carve because the contour, proportions, and decoration of the piece would depend on religious ceremony. 4 The fine work on the Emerald was done through the use of a wire saw for fine details. This piece was completed in 1786 with the addition of a
poem engraved on the back of the figurine by the Qianlong emperor. This piece also elaborates on the importance of nature to the Chinese culture. 7
I was drawn to this piece because it contained such great detail and symbolism. The eighth superior is playing a string instrument called a Qin making music for the listening pleasure of the ninth senior and his boy servant. (Sullivan 160)
When a piece of artistic work was considered good all that really mattered was the amount of effort that went into the piece and not the derivation of the person’s economic class. 5
In the process of working with Jade the artisan would have to form a respect induced relationship between self and the material.
Essay's Topics
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