Now in its fourth edition, Chinese Symbolism And Art Motifs: A Comprehensive Handbook On Symbolism In Chinese Art Through The Ages is a straightforward survey of recurring symbols in Chinese artwork from ancient times to the modern day. Divided into entries devoted to each symbol ("dragon", "phoenix", "the eight immortals", "the five elements" and much more), which are in turn presented in alphabetical order, Chinese Symbolism And Art Motifs includes over 400 black-and-white illustrations and an index for quick and easy reference. The text succinctly surveys different uses of each symbol, and also presents the names for symbols and important historical or mythical Chinese figures in Chinese characters as well as in translation. An easy-to-use guidebook especially recommended for college libraries and students and scholars of Chinese art.
Average Rating:
Author: Charles Alfred Speed Williams
Edition: 4 Revised
ISBN: 080483704X
Number Of Pages: 384
Languages:
Original Language: English
Unknown: English
Published: English
Product Description:
Gain a deeper appreciation for Chinese art and architecture by understanding its symbols. The Yin and Yang, dragon, phoenix, five elements, and other symbols are explained in their historical and cultural context. Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifs also includes articles on Chinese beliefs, customs, arts and crafts, foods, agriculture and medicine.
Originally published in 1941, this is the standard reference book, with over 400 illustrations to help clarify and define this ancient, complex culture.
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 21.95
Lowest Used Price: USD 10.82
Lowest New Price: USD 12.33
Customer Reviews
Chinese Symbolism
This book is thorough in coverage of Chinese art symbolism. I would love it if color photographs had been in it.
A useful, but dated resource
While this is clearly a pioneer and classic work in its field, there are, today, newer works that surpass this volume, first published 67 years ago, without many updates throughout its many reprints, in its usefulness. For example, the author includes literary references as well as art references (in other words, linguistic references that one does not see in art), so it is sometimes difficult to know if a particular object has different meanings "literally" from "figuratively". Additionally, the index is way too cursory, so there have been times when it has been extremely difficult to re-find something that one knows one has seen or read in the volume. A third shortfall is the use of line drawings as opposed to real photographs. There is a reason why we have the saying, "A picture is worth 1,000 words". Nevertheless, Williams was a ground-breaker in this area and this volume belongs in the library of anyone with a serious interest in the subject.
