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Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifs Fourth Revised Edition: A Comprehensive Handbook on Symbolism in Chinese Art Through the Ages
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.
Originally published in 1941, this is the standard reference book, with over 400 illustrations to help clarify and define this ancient, complex culture.
578 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 4, 2014
In the west we tend to overlook the encoding in our language because we are familiar with it. The symbols we use as shortcuts to our greatest riches of culture and understanding thus become devalued, taken for granted.
When we look at works of art from another culture we are faced with all the potentials of human understanding and misunderstanding. We may be told one thing by a friendly stranger, another by a tour guide, a third by an expert commentator. Standing in the gallery we allow ourselves time to consider these meanings in a specific context, but we tend to overlook the daily circumstances where the significance of art lives for the majority of people.
Just as the ancient myths and legends of Greece and Rome are entwined throughout the literature and art of the west, so the learning of centuries in the east is present in the celebrations of the seasons and the practices of medicine and trade. Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifs gives us a glimpse into the complexity of the codes and practices of Chinese culture over the centuries and deepens the potential for understanding our own nature as well as those who have been taught to dismiss such forms of knowledge as mere myths.
This fourth edition has an introduction by Terence Barrow which refers to the greater interest in things Chinese after the visit by Richard Nixon in 1972. By 2006 when he wrote this introduction a much broader interest in trade with China has taken hold. Yet much of this approach to Chinese culture seems irrelevant in the economic focus currently gripping the globe. To consider that the trade of Victorian times, and even earlier, was based in the cultural exchanges of respecting longevity as well as potentials on both sides is to begin to appreciate the complexity of what we really offer each other as human beings.
That modern nuance can still learn from the layered meanings of previous times reflects the intention of relationship. It takes time to learn, it takes respect to be open to being taught.
In these pages are many beginnings on many topics which make cultural appreciation a rewarding experience within itself. The balance between indulgence in one’s own pleasures of knowledge and the gateway to meeting others where they truly live is a delicate one. In a culture where much has been suppressed of their own background it is perhaps even more delicate to find a way to enter the gate together, from the same side so to speak.
With black and white illustrations there also seems to be much opportunity to colour in the experience of this work. Like all cultures, this carrying forward of ancient ideas into the future is what will transform us as well as enrich who we already believe ourselves to be.
When we look at works of art from another culture we are faced with all the potentials of human understanding and misunderstanding. We may be told one thing by a friendly stranger, another by a tour guide, a third by an expert commentator. Standing in the gallery we allow ourselves time to consider these meanings in a specific context, but we tend to overlook the daily circumstances where the significance of art lives for the majority of people.
Just as the ancient myths and legends of Greece and Rome are entwined throughout the literature and art of the west, so the learning of centuries in the east is present in the celebrations of the seasons and the practices of medicine and trade. Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifs gives us a glimpse into the complexity of the codes and practices of Chinese culture over the centuries and deepens the potential for understanding our own nature as well as those who have been taught to dismiss such forms of knowledge as mere myths.
This fourth edition has an introduction by Terence Barrow which refers to the greater interest in things Chinese after the visit by Richard Nixon in 1972. By 2006 when he wrote this introduction a much broader interest in trade with China has taken hold. Yet much of this approach to Chinese culture seems irrelevant in the economic focus currently gripping the globe. To consider that the trade of Victorian times, and even earlier, was based in the cultural exchanges of respecting longevity as well as potentials on both sides is to begin to appreciate the complexity of what we really offer each other as human beings.
That modern nuance can still learn from the layered meanings of previous times reflects the intention of relationship. It takes time to learn, it takes respect to be open to being taught.
In these pages are many beginnings on many topics which make cultural appreciation a rewarding experience within itself. The balance between indulgence in one’s own pleasures of knowledge and the gateway to meeting others where they truly live is a delicate one. In a culture where much has been suppressed of their own background it is perhaps even more delicate to find a way to enter the gate together, from the same side so to speak.
With black and white illustrations there also seems to be much opportunity to colour in the experience of this work. Like all cultures, this carrying forward of ancient ideas into the future is what will transform us as well as enrich who we already believe ourselves to be.
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January 20, 2009While 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 very limited, 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. Many of us are indebted to Williams' ground-breaking work in this fascinating subject area.
March 19, 2010
Decent overview of certain themes and motifs in Chinese culture, though the authorship's age is very apparent in a number of cases. European perspectives are imposed upon a number of the interpretations, so approach with a degree of caution.
March 14, 2020
203 - 2020
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March 15, 2021Outdated and kind of racist.
February 14, 2008
my guide in looking for anything about chinese culture.A really helpful book!
August 4, 2011
Another interesting read on Chinese Symbolism & Legends etc. Very comprehensive, a very good reference guide.
November 23, 2011
This book is awesome! Very informative and easy to read.
July 28, 2012
Love, love this. It's an easy, simple read, great for keeping in the bathroom and reading a symbol paragraph while you pee.
September 9, 2012
ah kurang... kurang... kurang...
**sodorin piring minta tambah :v
**sodorin piring minta tambah :v
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews