Chinese Paintings: An Ancient Civilization Explores the Mysteries of the Spirit

Have you ever felt a sense of awe looking at the beauty of Chinese paintings and wanted to know more about the people and culture that produced these works of art?Did you know that early Chinese artists experimented with oils before opting to paint exclusively with water colors on silk or paper? Did you know that Chinese paintings are traditionally classified under eight headings? Are you able to identify and contrast conservative and progressive elements within Chinese paintings? Have you noticed the "mystery of the soul-world" in Chinese paintings?John Calvin Ferguson, a resident of China for more than 30 years and a renowned scholar of Chinese art, answers these and many other questions in Chinese Paintings: An Ancient Civilization Explores the Mysteries of the Spirit. Beginning with a discussion of sources and technique, the author then surveys the most prominent Chinese painters and their major works over a period of more than a thousand years.This book is a pleasure to read and contains a treasure of insights into Chinese paintings. Read more