Chinese Sculpture: A Great Tradition - Hardcover

Ann Paludan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1932476288 ISBN 13: 9781932476286

Publisher: Serindia Publications, Inc, 2006

Synopsis

Archaeological discoveries over the last fifty years have revolutionised knowledge about Chinese sculpture, revealing the length and strength of a hitherto unsuspected tradition stretching back to prehistoric times. This tradition was concerned with the powers of statuary. Unwritten, it was based on beliefs shared by all classes on the nature of the cosmos, the importance of maintaining contact with the ancestors and the idea that images contain power to influence events in the seen and unseen worlds. With many previously unpublished photographs, the book traces the history of Chinese sculpture through the imperial period. By outlining the principles which underlie all forms of statuary, regardless of size and material, the text aims to elucidate the extent to which sculpture in China has been adapted to serve the political, practical and spiritual needs of its rulers through two thousand years. Sculptures were a vital part of palace, tomb, temple or other complexes intended to further harmony between worldly society and the cosmos.

About this title

Review:

"This book is undoubtedly an advanced step in the study of Chinese sculpture and a work of fine scholarship. Ann Paludan.. courageously makes the point that Chinese sculpture, often neglected by Western scholars, has its own long tradition... Ann Paludan puts forward analyses of the internal connections and modes of expression of the individual works seen in the context of China's multi-ethnic, multi-cultural society." Professor Luo Zhewen, President of the State Cultural Relics Society, Beijing"

About this edition

• Publisher: Serindia Publications, Inc
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1932476288
• ISBN 13: 9781932476286
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 560