CHINESE ART: CHARACTERISTICS, PAINTING, SCULPTURE, ARCHITECTURE - ART - 2024

Chinese art is called the whole set of artistic manifestations developed in Chinese civilization; This can range from the first plastic expressions, which occurred during the Zhou dynasty and the Shang dynasty, to the works carried out today.

However, the most striking Chinese art for critics is that which was influenced by Confucianism and Taoism, since this represented the idiosyncrasy and episteme of a millenary culture.

This work corresponds to the painter Wang Meng, one of the most prominent representatives of Chinese pictorial art. Source: Wang Meng

The elements preferred by Chinese artists were jade, bone and bronze, which were used since the ancient rituals of the shamans. With these instruments, Chinese culture raised the essence of its art, which consisted in a synthesis between the artistic spirit and the hierarchical function.

Chinese art was characterized by the contemplation and experience of space; consequently, artists had to go on long walks to visualize and learn about the characteristics of the landscape. Then they had to carry out a meditation, to later begin the artistic work.

Eastern art, contrary to Western precepts, did not feel an interest in creating their own style, but learned by making copies of the artists who preceded them. In addition, the autonomy of the artist was not relevant either, so many times the works were not signed.

The simplicity of the lines and forms of Chinese art, as well as its colors and its Taoist references, served as an influence for great artists from the West. In the 18th century, when the Orient was rediscovered by European travelers, groups of creators emerged who were nurtured by this culture, such as the Impressionists and Expressionists.

Likewise, Chinese architecture also had a lot of influence on modern European architecture. For example, the Bauhaus school of arts absorbed the simplicity and geometry of eastern forms, thus integrating elements of nature. This can be seen in the works of the renowned Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe.

History

Context of Chinese culture

Unlike Western art, Chinese art became more uniform over the years. Although it underwent certain changes, it was always supported by the same hierarchical line influenced by the dynasties that reigned.

The oriental artistic manifestations maintained a strong religious load, in which there are not only reminiscences of Taoism and Confucianism, but also of Buddhism. Likewise, the figure of nature was essential for the development of these arts.

Chinese culture highly valued calligraphy and pottery, as well as silk and porcelain; These disciplines fell into the same category as painting and sculpture, unlike what was thought in the artistic field in the West; in this context, ceramics and other crafts were considered minor arts.

Influence of the dynasties in artistic manifestations

The stages of Chinese art are divided according to the dynasties, since each one of these maintained a series of characteristics that differentiated them from the others. In addition, in each dynasty other creative elements and instruments were integrated.

Shang dynasty

This historical and artistic period, elapsed between 1600 and 1046 BC. C., stood out for the use of bronze, which was used to make sculptures and vessels, as well as some anthropomorphic masks and statues.

Zhou dynasty

This dynasty spanned from 1045 to 256 BC. Chinese art evolved considerably in this period, as the Zhou stood out for creating a style of ornamental and decorative character, making more stylized figures and with a greater sense of movement.

The favorite instrument during this time was copper. At this time, Confucianism and Taoism appeared, which notably modified the following artistic proposals. Other materials such as ivory and jade were also used.

Qin dynasty

This dynasty occurred during 221 and 206 BC. The Qin dynasty is one of the most important stages not only for art but also for Chinese history, since during this period the Great Wall was built, as well as the Terracotta Army of Xian, which is composed of a large number of soldiers molded in terracotta.

Han Dynasty

This period, elapsed between 206 and 220 BC. C., was recorded as a peaceful time, since Buddhism was gradually introduced in this oriental culture. In the construction area, several funerary chapels were made, which were decorated with figures of tigers, lions and horses.

For its part, the painting was directed towards an imperial theme, in which nobles and officials were portrayed. This pictorial style stood out for its solemnity and strong moral virtue.

Period of the six dynasties

The six dynasties were characterized by their Buddhist influence, since this religious practice was definitively established during this period, developed between 220 and 618.

Consequently, great monuments were built with giant statues of Buddha. The time of the six dynasties was also important since at that time the famous Silk Road was established, which allowed the entry of some precepts from West Asia.

Tang dynasty

According to art critics, this was a very flourishing period for Chinese culture, as beautiful sculptures and remarkable ceramic figures were carried out.

At that time the characteristic figure of these plastic manifestations was Buddha, as well as that of some mystics who preached his doctrine. The Tang dynasty spanned from 618 to 907 AD. C.

Song dynasty

During this time Chinese culture reached a very high level. For the first time, woodcuts were made using ink on silk. As for the architecture, it maintained the characteristics of the pagoda.

In ceramics, white and pink glaze was used. Within the pictorial art a precise drawing that portrayed a series of philosophers or monks was handled. In turn, nature was present through insects and flowers. The Song dynasty occurred between 960 and 1279.

Yuan Dynasty

This dynasty was of Mongol origin, so China opened its doors more to the Western world. From this period, which occurred between 1280 and 1368, is the famous White Pagoda in Beijing.

Likewise, the rugs were worked and new ceramics were made with other colors and new shapes. For its part, the painting kept the religious themes; from this period are the painters Ni Zan and Wang Meng.

Ming dynasty

At this historical moment, the indigenous dynasty was restored, after the end of the Mongol control dynasty. This event allowed the recovery of ancient traditions of Chinese culture. According to records, the Ming dynasty lasted between 1368 and 1644.

In architectural terms, the Imperial Palace, also known as the Forbidden City, was built. As for the pictorial development, it maintained a naturalistic cut with certain opulent elements. For its part, porcelain used the colors blue and white.

Qing dynasty

Occurring between 1644 and 1911, this dynasty was of Manchu origin, although in art there were no major modifications and it maintained the more traditional forms. The painting had an eclectic cut, where flowers, landscapes and religion stood out.

As for architecture, it continued with the construction of the great Imperial Palace, maintaining the same style of the previous dynasty.

Modern or contemporary art

With the advent of modernization, China had to absorb various aspects of Western culture. In addition, the triumph of communism introduced an art of a socialist realist type, although today there has been an opening towards new plastic trends.

It is also necessary to name the importance of technology for this culture, since it allowed the use of photography and publishing.

characteristics

Ancient Chinese art was characterized mainly by its links with nature and meditation. For this reason its shapes are soft, light and gentle.

Furthermore, the artistic manifestations of this culture are charged with a true mystique, since these Orientals were genuinely interested in the mysteries of the universe.

For Chinese philosophy, the crafts of art (mainly that of painting) were considered sacred, in addition to having links with Buddhist and Taoist precepts.

Likewise, Chinese art sought to study cosmology, human destiny and the relationship between the universe and man; Because of this, the arts of this culture are a reflection of its idiosyncrasy.

Following this line, it can be affirmed that Chinese art - within aesthetic thought - linked the beautiful with the true. Chinese artists and architects sought to build a vital microcosm in which the macrocosm could work in harmony.

The plastic manifestations of this culture were maintained for more than sixteen centuries, without losing their inclination towards the simple and the traditional.

Painting

-Characteristics

Chinese painting was characterized mainly by being governed by six fundamental principles, which made up the set of elements that constitute this discipline.

These six precepts were established by Xie He, who is known to have been a forerunner of art criticism and history during the 6th century. These guidelines are as follows:

Resonance of spirit

This category refers to the vitality that Chinese painting possesses, since it seems to possess a kind of nervous energy that was transmitted by the painter during creation.

In other words, this point refers to the total energy that a work of art possesses. Xie He went on to establish that if a painting did not possess spirit resonance, then it was not worth looking at.

Bone method

This statement refers to the way the brush should be used. This refers to the texture and brushwork, as well as the close relationship that must exist between handwriting and the personality of the author. At that time, calligraphy was part of the pictorial discipline.

Correspondence with the object

This notion refers directly to the description of the shape, which includes both the line and the profile.

Suitability to type

This precept refers to the way the color was applied, including the different shades, layers, and ratings.

Division and plan

This point refers to the arrangement and placement of objects within the pictorial plane, where composition, depth and space played an important role.

Copy transmission

This item covers model copying. Not only the figures of nature, but also the copy of older works of art.

-Representatives

Wang Meng (1308-1385)

Meng was a renowned Chinese painter who developed during the Yuan Dynasty, which is why he is considered one of the four great masters of this period.

The preferred subject of this painter was landscapes, since he considered them as a key to touch the non-visible reality. His landscapes stood out for being objective, descriptive and energetic, as well as very detailed.

Ni Zan (1301-1374)

This painter was known for his eccentricities and was not considered a classical painter. In his paintings, landscapes mainly stand out, although he liked to leave large areas of the canvas unpainted. His works have some rustic cabins and a few shady trees.

-Plays

Some of the most important pictorial works were: Writting Books under the Pine Trees, by Wang Meng, as well as Ge Zhichuan Relocating, by the same author. Both paintings represent tranquil landscapes that convey serenity.

As for Ni Zan's works, his painting entitled Six Horses stands out, where you can see a series of still trees accompanied by large voids in the canvas. Another highly acclaimed work is called Peonies, by painter Yun Shouping.

Sculpture

characteristics

Chinese sculpture was characterized mainly by its religious representations, which is why the enormous figures of Buddha and other mystical priests stand out. Likewise, sculpture within this culture was notably linked to funeral rites.

Regarding the materials, Chinese sculptors were characterized by using ivory, wood, bamboo and even horns and tusks of some animals. In addition to religious themes, Chinese sculpture also used to represent some animals and certain natural elements.

Representatives

Unlike the rest of the Chinese arts, the representatives of sculpture are very little known, since this art was considered as an inferior discipline.

In addition, being religious in nature, Chinese sculptures were important in themselves for their spiritual charge, rather than for the individuality of their creators.

Plays

Despite having no record of its creators, Chinese sculpture offers a wide range of figurines, mainly focused on representing the religious beliefs of this culture. Some of the best known works were the following:

-Yixian Glazed Ceramic Luohans are a set of sculptures made of glazed ceramic that are life-size; This group of figures is considered one of the most important works in the world. At present they are scattered throughout the globe, especially in western territories.

- Buddha Dipanka, made between 489 and 95 AD. It consists of a Chinese sculpture where Buddha is represented with a jovial and serene smile; his eyes are closed and his hands are placed in meditation. Around him you can perceive a kind of halo, where there are other small figures that copy his posture.

Architecture

characteristics

It is unlikely to find Chinese architecture built before the Ming dynasty, since previously the constructions were made of wood, so they could not be preserved. In contrast to Western architecture, Eastern architectural canons varied very little over the centuries.

Through the influence of nature, Chinese architecture maintained a beautiful bracketing system, which gave an elegant, strong and flexible character to the construction. One of the most used architectural styles in China was the pagoda, which consisted of a building that had several levels, built for religious purposes.

Representatives

A phenomenon similar to that of sculpture occurs with Chinese architecture: the names of the architects were not preserved. This is because generally the high lords were the ones who designed and financed the constructions, while the bricklayers, belonging to the common people, only carried out their labor.

Generally, the dynasties were in charge of designing and financing architectural constructions; for example, the Qing dynasty financed some of the most acclaimed works. Similarly, the Ming dynasty also had countless buildings built.

Plays

Within the Chinese culture there are innumerable constructions that represent the splendor of what was a thousand-year-old civilization. One of the most important constructions was known as the Temple of Heaven, the largest temple in the entire republic. It was built in 1420 and was used to worship the spring crops.

The interior of the temple is full of pleasant paintings and colors, as these represent the joy of the spring season.

The Yonghe Temple, another architectural work, is one of the most important Buddhist constructions and is located in the city of Beijing. It was built under the Qing dynasty.

This work represents the liturgical aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. At present, the construction declined notably due to the imperial patronage, although it remains one of the most important monuments.

References

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