Chinese Cultural Relics Classification Atlas · Volume 1 of Grade 1

Author: Ma Zishu
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1999-12-01
Features: Based on the "National Standards for the Classification of Cultural Relics," this collection includes over 3,000 representative cultural relics from major museums in China, including first, second, and third-grade items that have been authenticated. The artifacts are categorized into 14 types, divided into eight sections: Ceramics, Jade, Bronzes, Calligraphy and Painting, Gold and Silver, Craftsmanship (Lacquerware, Enamelware, Bamboo, Wood, Ivory Carvings, Textiles), Murals and Stone Carvings, and Stele and Inscriptions. Generally, artifacts in each category are arranged in chronological order by dynasty or era; bronzes are arranged by the chronological order of their types. Before each section in each volume, experts in cultural relic authentication, based on practical experience, provide special articles that list typical artifacts of each grade, type, era, and characteristic, explaining the reasons for their classification and briefly highlighting their value. The entire book uses the names of cultural relics as entries, with descriptions including the name, era, dimensions, weight, time and location of discovery, collecting institution, form and decorative features, as well as the revelation of the artistic, scientific, and historical value of the artifacts. Each artifact is accompanied by one image and one description, emphasizing both visuals and text for a clear and detailed presentation. By combining the authentication statements of historical, artistic, and scientific value, or highlighted features with are included. At the end of each volume, there is an appendix featuring the "National Standards for the Classification of Cultural Relics" and "Examples of First-Grade Cultural Relic Classification." This book serves as an important reference for cultural relic workers and enthusiasts in authentication and classification.
The "Illustrated Catalog of Chinese Cultural Relic Classification" includes over 3,000 authenticated, representative cultural relics from museums across China, serving as references for first, second, and third-grade items. Each artifact is presented with one image and one description, divided into four volumes: the Upper Volume of First-Grade Items, the Lower Volume of First-Grade Items, and the Volume of Third-Grade Items. This book is the Volume of First-Grade Items, collecting over 640 third-grade artifacts from museum collections. The artifacts are classified by material and nature into 14 categories: Ceramics, Porcelain, Jade, Bronzes, Manuscripts, Paintings, Gold and Silver, Lacquerware, Enamelware, Bamboo, Wood, Ivory, Horn, and Textiles, as well as Murals, Stone Carvings, and Stele and Inscriptions. The entries generally follow the chronological order of dynasties or eras, with bronzes arranged by the chronological order of their types. The descriptions of each entry typically include the name, era, dimensions, weight, time and location of discovery, collecting institution, form and decorative features, as well as the revelation of the artistic, scientific, and historical value of the artifacts.
Historical dates in this book are generally written in the old calendar system, with corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar provided in parentheses. Ancient place names in the text are supplemented with modern names where appropriate. Measurements are written according to the legal metrological units of the People's Republic of China.