A History of Chinese Aesthetics (Fudan University's Bo Xue Literature Series)

Author: Wang Zhenfu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-19
Features: This tutorial primarily explores the development of Chinese aesthetics by examining Chinese culture and philosophy. The historical progression is divided into four periods:
1. The Nurturing of Aesthetic Consciousness and Aesthetic Concepts, from primitive shamanistic culture, historical culture, and pre-Qin philosophy to the Confucian cultural period of the Han Dynasty.
2. The Construction of Aesthetic Concepts and National Aesthetic Character, from the Wei, Jin, and Six Dynasties to the Buddhist cultural period of the Sui and Tang Dynasties.
3. The Maturation of Ancient National Aesthetics, from the Neo-Confucianism of the Song and Ming Dynasties to the pragmatic (realist) cultural period of the Qing Dynasty.
4. The Modern Transformation of National Aesthetics, the modern opening period of the 20th century as Western aesthetics spread eastward. This textbook reflects the author's consistent combination of empirical research and theoretical innovation.