Encyclopedia of Chinese Art Collecting and Appreciation 4 (Calligraphy and Painting Volume)

Author: Shi Shuqing, Chief Editor / Collectors Magazine
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: Collecting calligraphy and painting is a form of art collection that condenses history, culture, craftsmanship, emotions, and life. The rustic charm of Han bamboo slips, the elegance of Jin calligraphy, the opulence of Tang paintings, the meticulousness of Song paintings, and the diverse styles of Ming and Qing calligraphy and painting all shine in harmony, forming a dazzling and lengthy scroll. Figures, flowers and birds, landscapes—realistic and expressive, court painting and literati painting—compete in splendor, each leading its own trend. Whether it's Xu Xixi's wild and unrestrained style, Mi family's landscapes, Ma Yuan and Xia Gui's desolate mountains and waters, or the Eight Great Masters and Shi Tao's defiance—searching for extraordinary peaks to draft—masters stand tall, and stars shine brilliantly. Chinese calligraphy and painting embody the cultural philosophy, aesthetic consciousness, and philosophical thought of the Chinese nation, standing as a precious treasure of Eastern culture in the world of art. This book introduces you to the vibrant world of art through accessible and practical text, offering a user-friendly guide for collecting and appreciating artworks. This encyclopedia is divided into six volumes: Bronze Ware, Ceramics, Jade, Calligraphy and Painting, Furniture, and Traditional Crafts. The entire work features a novel format, setting up pull-out diagrams for various artworks, introducing the exact names and functions of each representative standard piece's parts, providing a foundation for readers' collecting and appreciation activities. The illustrations included are either rare treasures of our country or hotly contested artworks from recent major auction houses. These exquisite images, accompanied by textual explanations and the latest market valuations and actual selling prices, not only delight the readers but also provide a direct and reliable reference for art investment. Each volume's appendix specifically introduces the jargon and terminology of the respective art form, facilitating readers' queries and understanding. The book is interspersed with ingenious snippets of information, offering readers various tips and methods for identifying the authenticity and quality of artworks.