Taoism and the Arts of China

by Stephen Little

Taoism and the Arts of China brings together a remarkable collection of art from one of China's most ancient and influential traditions. Produced to accompany the first major exhibition ever organized on the Taoist philosophy and religion, this opulent book includes more than 150 works of art from as early as the late Zhou dynasty (fifth-third century b.c.) to the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Many of these works are paintings that show the breathtaking range of style and subject that makes the Taoist heritage so rich. Sculpture, calligraphy, rare books, textiles, and ritual objects are also represented.

Like the exhibition, the book is organized thematically. It begins with the sage Laozi (to whom the Daode Jing is attributed), and moves on to explore the birth of religious Taoism and the interaction between Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. A wealth of subjects are the gods of the Taoist pantheon, ritual, the boundaries and intersections between Taoism and popular religion, Taoist Immortals and Realized Beings, the role of alchemy, sacred landscape and its significance, and Taoist temples and their architecture.

Taoism and the Arts of China includes an engaging series of introductory essays by scholars with a deep understanding of their subjects. Among the topics discussed are a historical introduction to Taoism, archaeological evidence for early Taoist art, and a general introduction to the functions of art in religious Taoism. Lavishly illustrated with over 150 color images, this volume affords a sweeping view of an artistic terrain that until now has received too little exposure in the West. Its publication constitutes a major advance in Western understanding of this important tradition.

Genres: Art, History, Nonfiction, China, Taoism

352 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 2000

Reviews

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a nice, chunky, coffee table book with a decent amount of pictures. The variety is a bit different than my other books on Chinese paintings, more Immortals, fairies and devils, fewer landscapes. There's a fair amount of text, with the history and significance of each object. I'd prefer a painting only book, but that's just me being greedy. Worth a look if the topic interests you.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone interested in Daoism and its relationships to all Chinese arts should own this book. Marvelous images! Spectacular origins stories! Profound and insightful essays. You will love every page.

[Yun Rou · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book for browsing the Taoist world, one painting, sculpture, scroll, at a time. More than a coffee-table book.

[Rev. Sharon Wylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is gorgeous and brilliant and I lust to own my own copy.