Dictionary of Fine Art Artists

Author: Qian Dingyi (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-01
Features: This book collects the names and deeds of nearly two thousand exquisite craftworkers from various dynasties. The sources of this information are threefold: First, compiled from historical documents and related historical records; second, collected from archaeological discoveries over the years; third, based on personal interviews and records of oral accounts from artisans in various regions by the author. The third category of data is particularly difficult to gather. First, historical documents and records are vast and numerous, making it like searching for a needle in a haystack—time-consuming and impossible to be complete. Second, archaeological findings, mainly discovered after the liberation, require meticulous and detailed searches, and only through the accumulation of time can some results be obtained. Third, the author's personal investigations and visits only cover certain regions, with limitations. It is impossible to visit and collect information from all areas personally. In some regions, assistance from knowledgeable friends with similar interests was relied upon to complete the surveys.