Highly readable authoritative reference, rich with sidelights from literature and legend, explains animal symbolism in art of the Far East. The 673 black-and-white illustrations depict dragons, tigers, bats, butterflies, elephants, and other creatures.

During the Ming Dynasty numerous new animal themes were created to convey political and ethical messages current at court. As the result a sophisticated language of Chinese animal painting was developed, employing both the animals' symbolic associations and homonymic puns. Hou-mei Sung's exciting rediscovery of some of these lost meanings has led to a full-scale investigation of the evolving history of Chinese animal painting. Distinct symbolic meanings were associated with individual motifs, but all animals were assigned a place in the universe according to the Chinese concept of nature. From the very early yin/yang cosmology to later developments of Daoist and Confucian philosophies and ethics, Chinese animals gained new meanings related to their historical contexts. This book explores these new findings, using the colorful animal images and their rich and evolving symbolic meanings to gain insight into unique aspects of Chinese art, as well as Chinese culture and history. Exhibition Schedule: Cincinnati Museum of Art (October 2009 - February 2010)

Describes historical, legendary, and supernatural persons, animals, and objects that recur as symbols in Oriental art and literature

This gorgeously produced book reveals the hidden meaning behind motifs in Chinese decorative arts. When any Westerner looks at Chinese art, it is immediately apparent how much the depiction of animal and plant life differs from its American or European equivalent. This exceptional world teems with flowers, trees, birds, fish, shellfish, and insects, mixed with fantastic creatures or figures taken from legend and mythology. Various motifs can appear together in one scene, and if the viewer understands the language, the images are charged with symbolism. This absorbing study explores the rich symbolic language of exquisite works in ceramic, jade, lacquer, glass, and silk from the world-renowned Baur Collection.

This innovative collection opens a door into the rich history of animals in China. This title is also available as Open Access.

With over 630 striking color photos and illustrations, this Chinese art guide focuses on the rich tapestry of symbolism which makes up the basis of traditional Chinese art. Chinese Art: A Guide to Motifs and Visual Imagery includes detailed commentary and historical background information for the images that continuously reappear in the arts of China, including specific plants and animals, religious beings, mortals and inanimate objects. The book thoroughly illuminates the origins, common usages and diverse applications of popular Chinese symbols in a tone that is both engaging and authoritative. Chinese Art: A Guide to Motifs and Visual Imagery is an essential reference for collectors, museum-goers, guides, students and anyone else with a serious interest in the culture and history of China.

This sourcebook of animal, bird and fish motifs features 4000 authentic copyright-free designs taken from a wide range of historical and world sources, such as prehistoric cave painting, ceramics from the ancient world, medieval illuminated books, Renaissance paintings and turn-of-the-century textiles. Author Graham McCallum is an artist, designer and craftsperson, whose lifetime in design has enabled him to create a unique reference source of zoomorphic motifs. These high-quality, black-and-white images can be traced, photocopied and enlarged for design work in any creative field. Organized around specific types of animal and historical and cultural periods for ease of use, this book is brimming with ideas. A detailed index and contents list help you to find just what you want. There is also an introductory design class to help you get the most out of the book. Whether you are a glass painter, woodworker, ceramicist, embroiderer, graphic designer or artist, this book is sure to contain something to inspire you.