Ancient Chinese Art
The art of ancient China is considered to be one of the greatest artistic legacies of mankind. The long history of Chinese art spans several millennia and is rich in many mediums, including painting, pottery, bronzes, silk weaving, lacquer, calligraphy and architecture. Perhaps the most famous of Chinese art forms is the terra-cotta warriors of the Qin dynasty – a life-sized army of almost 8,000 warriors, warriors, horses, horses and chariots, that was built to honor the heroic leadership of the first Chinese Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The other key periods in the history of Chinese art include the Tang Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty and the Forbidden City of their Imperial palaces.
Terracotta Army
Before the Qin Dynasty of 221-207 BC brought together a unified, vast Chinese Empire, the craftsmen had already perfected skills in clay, pottery and bronze casting. The result of those artistic endeavors was the terracotta army, which the Emperor sought to preserve and honor his legacy. The pottery figures were unearthed in the early 19th century, with more than 7,000 figures including infantry, cavalry and chariots that represented and memorialized the army’s most decorated warriors.
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) is renowned as one of the golden ages of Chinese art. This period was one of great prosperity and cultural advancement, a time of immense growth in literature and art, and Chinese culture flourished under the rule of the Tang Dynasty. One of the types of artwork that flourished during this period was pottery. These pottery figures were often figurative, depicting subjects such as horses, houses, people, and other scenes from daily life in China.
Ming Dynasty
The Ming dynasty (1368-1644 AD) was known for its opulence and craftsmanship. The imperial court commissioned the great works of art that we see today, such as calligraphy, landscape paintings, and ceramics. An appreciation of art, literature, and philosophy formed the foundation of the ruling elite during this period. The Ming court also favored intricate designs, often decorated with precious gems. Porcelain was made strong and intricate and was seen as a reflection of the court’s power and prestige.
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City was the imperial palace complex of the Ming and Qing dynasties and was the home of the Chinese imperial court. Located in Beijing, it served as the seat of the emperors and their powerful courtiers, the epicenter of political and cultural activity in the country. It was a palace of immense size and grandeur, and its murals, sculptures, gardens, and pavilions were all works of art under the patronage of the imperial court.
The Importance of Ancient Chinese
Art
Ancient Chinese art forms continue to be important to art enthusiasts today. While these works were created for utilitarian and religious purposes, they retain a certain spirit and beauty that speaks of their timeless relevance. From the grand imperial palaces of the Forbidden City to the imposing Terracotta Warriors, Chinese art stands as an indication of what is possible when art is accurate to its purpose and of the beauty that can be achieved when a culture understands and cultivates art.
Ancient Chinese art is one of the most enduring and influential of all artistic legacies. The terra-cotta warriors of the Qin Dynasty, the vibrant and colorful pottery of the Tang Dynasty, the intricate porcelain of the Ming Dynasty, and the grandeur of the Forbidden City have all played a major role in the development of art throughout history and up to the present day. While Chinese culture may have changed over centuries, Chinese art remains something that is worthy of admiration and one that continues to be influential in the world of art.