Full-color history of Chinese architectural art

Author: Edited by Ru Xin, Authored by Xu Yitao
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-05-01
Features: As a product of ancient culture, traditional Chinese architecture exhibits distinctive features. It not only differs greatly from any other architectural system in the world but also has had a profound influence on all of humanity. Ancient countries in Asia, such as Japan and Korea, began early to adopt and learn from China's architectural techniques and art. Even architects from Western countries like the United Kingdom and France once deliberately imitated the "Chinese style." It is thanks to decades of academic accumulation by predecessors and the crystallization of their vast wisdom that this introductory, concise history of the development of Chinese architectural art can now be presented to a broad readership. This book primarily uses examples, with theoretical explanations kept brief. This approach is partly due to the need for uniformity in format and partly to allow readers to draw their own insights and impressions directly from historical facts. The book first includes a large number of works, with illustrations occupying over 60% of the pages. It combines general overviews with detailed examples, striving to outline the richness of artistic creation and provide readers with a systematic understanding of the continuity of artistic development. This is the first full-color history of Chinese architecture written for the general public in China, a light yet enlightening read that enhances one's life and strengthens artistic appreciation. The book uses clear and accessible language to convey rich artistic knowledge. It features 520 exquisite color illustrations throughout, allowing readers to directly appreciate the world's most renowned architectural works. The layout is lively and well-structured, making for a pleasant reading experience.