Research on Figures in Ancient Chinese Gardens

Author: Yue Yiping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-10-01
Features: Classical gardens are a unique gem in the realm of Chinese art. Numerous works have been published on the study of classical Chinese gardens, each offering different perspectives and achievements. This book, however, takes the perspective of individuals associated with ancient Chinese gardens, focusing on representative figures from each era. It comprehensively examines and analyzes their garden practices and theories, appropriately evaluating their contributions and positions in the history of classical Chinese garden development. Furthermore, it traces the evolutionary trajectory of classical Chinese gardens, particularly the gardens from the Sui and Tang dynasties to the Qing dynasty, and explores their artistic and cultural depth. The book consists of eight chapters, with the first two chapters dedicated to background research. The following chapters select outstanding and distinctive garden figures from each period, such as Wang Wei, the creator of landscape gardens; Bai Juyi, a literary garden artist; Ji Cheng, the master of Ming Dynasty garden design; the versatile garden designers from the Wen Zhenheng family; the garden artists from the Zhang Nanheng family; and the garden aestheticians Li Yu, for in-depth examination and study. Each of the eight chapters can stand alone as an independent piece, yet together they form a cohesive whole with intrinsic connections. Throughout the text, illustrations are included alongside the corresponding passages to achieve a harmonious balance of visuals and content.