The Beauty Of Traditional Chinese Art

By Author: Mingdong Chen
Total Articles: 4762
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In 2006, the Voice of America reported that Chinese Art was one of the fastest growing art markets and had reached new popularity in international and domestic markets. This report has been supported by record sales at both Sotheby's and Christie's of calligraphy, landscapes and portraits. Meanwhile, the International Herald Tribune indicated that Chinese porcelains were selling faster than at any other time in history.

Online sales of Chinese fine art and folk art have quadrupled in the last two years. The popularity of these art forms is attributed to the stunning beauty created by the artists and the exquisite attention to detail of the artists. The culture of China has always placed a heavy emphasis on all forms of art including fine and folk art as well as the performing arts.

Chinese fine art consists of the artistic pursuits that are aesthetic or conceptual rather than for utility. Painting, sculpture, calligraphy, gem design, embroidery, stone and wood carvings, clay sculpture and opera masks are currently very popular forms of Chinese art.

Each Chinese dynasty made distinct contributions ...
... to the country's long cultural history. From the early Neolithic periods when jade stones were first used and when pottery was first shaped, Chinese artists have continuously advanced the scope of their work.

The development of porcelain has become so refined that internationally the work was termed Chinaware. Porcelain artistry expanded greatly in the fourth century AD but originated in the first century AD.

Calligraphy or the art of giving form to words or signs is a cherished Chinese art form that originated in the era of Imperial China and still exists today. Calligraphers continued to draw calligraphy on silk long after the invention of paper. A study of calligraphy tells much about the culture, the artist and the sentiments of the community. This revealing art form is one of the biggest sellers in international markets.

Perhaps the greatest of all Chinese calligraphers was Tu Meng of the Tang Dynasty. Tu Meng developed 120 expressions and perfected the ability to express words through abstract art. His early calligraphy relayed words like ability, mysterious, careful and balance. Prior to his work, calligraphy was used to describe animate objects.

During the Yuan Dynasty, the painter Zhao Mengfu changed to scope of landscape painting forever. His theories are evident in many modern Chinese landscapes.

During the Ming dynasty, heavy emphasis was placed on artists who learned to perfect the use of color. Color ranges were expanded as color was used for every artistic creation including lettering. During the Qing Dynasty, Chinese art took on traditional characteristics that are still replicated today. The Shanghai School changed the most traditional nature of the country's art and launched an era of more creative, more expressive art.

More contemporary paintings include Western influences. These influences were expanded during the New Culture Movement. Much socialist realism was depicted during the 20th century.

Chinese carvings are singular for their stunning detail. Traditional carvings are of various life forms and nature scenes. Stone and wood carvings continue to have much international appeal.

Masks have played a large part in Chinese theater and society. Masks have long been used to convey private emotions as well as to disguise the bearer. Mask creation and detail remains part of China's culture today. Metal, paper and mache masks have global appeal and are in demand at art stores.

With the ability to post thousands of images and to capture current artwork, online art providers have been very successful in distributing Chinese art. The work of many Chinese artists can only be purchased online. Buyers have taken advantage of this new trend and once again Chinese art is circulating the globe.
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