The Ming dynasty reestablished independent rule in China, along with Chinese artistic and architectural traditions.
1368–1644 C.E.
Beginner's Guide
What is the Ming dynasty?
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Miniature furniture and figurines in a Ming tomb
Mini furniture and figurines give us a tiny look into Ming dynasty life
Shakyamuni, Laozi, and Confucius
The composition of the painting seems to have borrowed depictions of the Three Laughers of Tiger Creek, a popular allegorical story about the meeting of three famous figures.
Li (tripod)-shaped cloisonné incense burner
The smoke from incense was used as a link between the earthly realm and the heavenly world.
Shen Zhou, A Spring Gathering
Artists during the Ming dynasty often honored their patrons by portraying them in a garden studio.
Qiu Ying, Journey to Shu
Painted in lavish mineral-based colors of blue, green, and brownish yellow, this painting is a typical “blue-and-green” landscape in Chinese art
Copy after Qiu Ying, Playing the Zither Beneath a Pine Tree
A scholar playing a zither while enjoying some beautiful scenery is a popular genre in Chinese landscape paintings.
Palace Women and Children Celebrating the New Year
This painting depicts the most important festival in China—the Lunar New Year.
Canteen
This canteen exemplifies the dynamic flow of ideas and objects between the Islamic world and China that invigorated both artistic traditions.
Standing figure of Guanyin as Buddha
This ivory image of Guanyin of art shows extreme attention to decorative details
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven, founded in the first half of the 15th century, is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods
