General Introduction to the Aesthetic Culture of Ancient China

Author: Yi Pingce
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: In the history of China, especially in the history of thought and culture, the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties period is considered a highly unique stage of development. Its awakening, its wisdom, its vitality, its uninhibited nature, its eccentricity, its rebellion, its indulgence—in short, it shaped itself with a distinctive cultural posture, creating a personalized historical image that was strikingly individualistic and distinct. This personalized historical image appears as a kind of "outsider," hence it has always attracted various evaluations and critiques in Chinese history, ranging from praise or condemnation, commendation or criticism, approval or disapproval, to exaltation or suppression. However, if one looks at it from another perspective, this "outsider" cultural image and status actually highlight its exceptional nature, reveal its complexity and depth, and signify its unique historical connotations, values, and significance.