New Books on Chinese Art
Reinventing the Wheel: Paintings of Rebirth in Medieval Buddhist Temples (Stephen F. Teiser, University of Washington Press, 2006): This book introduces the visual culture of the Wheel of Rebrith, one of the most basic and popular images in Asian Buddhist painting. The author explores the history and varied interpretations of the Wheel of Rebirth, a circle divided into sections depicting the Buddhist cycle of transmigration.
The Impossible Nude: Chinese Art and Western Aesthetics (Francois Jullien, translated by Maev de la Guardia, University of Chicago Press, 2006). The undraped human form is ubiquitous in Western art and even appears in the art of India and Japan. Only in China, Jullien argues, is the nude completely absent. In this enthralling extended essay, he explores the different conceptions of the human body that underlie this provocative disparity.The Lady in the Painting: A Basic Chinese Reader (Claudia Ross, Yale University Press, 2006). Content information has not been released yet.
Paintings of the Yuan Dynasty, Complete Collection of Treasures, 4 (published by Palace Museum, Beijng, 2005) is a new publication featuring many important Yuan dynasty paintings in the Beijing Palace Museum's collection.
Chinese Art Exhibition at MFA Boston: An exhibition entitled Understanding the Master: Dong Qichang (1555-1626) and His Circle is on display in MFA Boston from July 8, 2006 to January 2, 2007. This show forcuses on sketches Dong used to mature his ideas of classicism in painting. Skethces of rocks and trees reflect how Dong applied the analytical method of learning from old masters to the creation of a new classicism. Supported by paintings done by Dong's friends and followers, viewers are directed to think about the critical context in which Dong achieved his greatness.
Musee Guimet in Paris: Masterpieces from Qing Imperial Painting: The Very Rich Hours of the Court of China (1662-1796) is currently on display. The most magnificent painting is the long handscroll of The Yongzheng Emperor Ploughing the First Furrow (1723-35) (442 cm x 63 cm) by an anonymous artist.
The Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, California In A New Light: The Asian Art Museum Collection shows more than 2,500 extraordinary works from the museum's renowned collection in its new galleries. Together these works constitute a comprehensive introduction to the major cultures of Asia. Immense Indian stone sculptures, intricately carved Chinese jades, vibrant Korean paintings, mystical Tibetan thangkas (ritual paintings on cloth), serene Cambodian Buddhas, richly decorated Islamic manuscripts, and colourful Japanese kimonos are just a few of the treasures on view.
Honolulu Academy of Arts: Chinese Painting of the Shanghai School are on display until 23 April 2006. The show brings together some of the most influential artists who lived and worked in Shanghai during a time when traditional Chinese painting faced many challenges in the second half of the 19th century. Bringing these works together showcases the relationship between art and society at the end of the Qing period.
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