Chinese Art Theory II: Form and Spirit

As the second volume of a two-volume set on Chinese art theory, this book introduces the typology of Chinese art and expands on the aesthetic and artistic theories of Chinese traditional art. The first part of this volume introduces representative genres of Chinese traditional art, including literary works, painting, and calligraphy. It covers scholar-artist art, folk art, palace art, and religious art at various levels and dimensions. The book demonstrates how Chinese traditional art uniquely embodies the nation's aesthetic sensibility, while reflecting its distinctive national traits in both creation and appreciation. The second part distills these theories to identify the fundamental principles and aesthetic characteristics that best represent the artistic spirit of Chinese tradition. Throughout, this book illustrates how traditional Chinese art reflects the cultural mindset and aesthetic consciousness of its people. This book is a valuable read for students and scholars of art studies, especially Chinese art theory and history. It will also appeal to anyone interested in the philosophical and aesthetic foundations of Chinese traditional art.