Encyclopedia of Chinese Art Collecting and Appreciation 3: Jade Volume

Author: Shi Shuqing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: The ancient Chinese jade, which gathers the essence of mountains and rivers and absorbs the spiritual energy of the sun and moon, combines the charm of human culture and integrates the ingenuity of skilled craftsmanship, captivating collectors. The exquisite Chinese jade artifacts, through thousands of years of historical evolution, have formed a rich and diverse artistic style, deeply integrated into traditional Chinese culture, and are closely linked with religion, ethics, morals, customs, traditions, art, and aesthetics, playing a shining role in the long history of Chinese culture. The tradition of admiring, loving, appreciating, and collecting jade has endowed jade artifacts with unique cultural and spiritual qualities, adding virtue and purity to the collection of ancient jade. This book introduces you to the world of colorful artworks through simple yet profound text and a practical, easy-to-follow guide to appraisal and collection. This encyclopedia is divided into six volumes: Bronze Ware Volume, Ceramics Volume, Jade Volume, Calligraphy and Painting Volume, Furniture Volume, and Traditional Craftsmanship Volume. The entire set features a novel format, with pull-out diagrams for various types of artworks, introducing the exact names and functions of representative standard pieces. It provides a foundation for readers' collecting and appreciation activities. The illustrations included are either rare treasures of China or highly sought-after art pieces from recent major auction houses. These exquisite images, accompanied by textual descriptions and the latest market valuations and actual prices, not only delight the readers but also provide a direct and reliable reference for art investment. Each volume has an appendix dedicated to the jargon and terminology of the respective art form, facilitating readers' queries and understanding. The book is interspersed with ingenious snippets of information, offering various tips and methods for identifying the authenticity and quality of artworks.