Representations of exquisite objects and human servants in Liao dynasty tombs are abundant
Art of China
A tombstone belonging to an Italian merchant's daughter found in Yangzhou reveals the social and religious plurality of Yuan China
Caterina Vilioni’s tomb in Yangzhou
How modern is this Chinese painting? Of course, it’s a trick question; it all depends on what you mean by "Chinese," or by "modern."
Wang Zhen, Buddhist Sage
Few migrants’ lives along the ancient Silk Road have been known in such detail as those of Wirkak (Shi Jun) and Wiyushi (Kang Shi)
The Wirkak (Shi Jun) Sarcophagus
The Han dynasty was a pivotal period in the history of China—many foundations were laid for enduring aspects of Chinese society.
Han dynasty (206 B.C.E.–220 C.E.), an introduction
Learn about how the Shang people left many legacies for later generations in China
Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1050 B.C.E.), an introduction
The Period of Division (220–589) witnessed a flourishing of culture, ideas, and art comparable to that of the European Renaissance.
Period of Division (220–589 C.E.), an introduction
The state of Qin was China’s first unified state whose power was centralized instead of spread among different kingdoms in the north and south.
Qin dynasty (c. 221–206 B.C.E.), an introduction
The Zhou shared many cultural similarities with the Shang—they performed similar religious rituals, used bronze ritual vessels, and practiced divination.
Zhou Dynasty (c. 1050–221 B.C.E.), an introduction
Au Ho-nien looks to Western realism and the practice of sketching from life as a way to revitalize Chinese art.
An interview with Au Ho-nien
A painting of a lonely white egret standing in shallow water, attributed to the famous painter Liang Kai
Liang Kai (attributed), White Egret
During the Ming dynasty the state issued coins and paper money.
Ming banknote
Recent archaeological evidence suggests that a number of distinct cultures developed simultaneously across China, all along waterways in the Neolithic period
Neolithic period (c. 7000–1700 B.C.E.), an introduction
12 paintings by Shitao that take you on a journey
Shitao, Returning Home
A painting that gives the impression of a vast landscape that stretches for eternity
Congyi, Cloudy Mountains
Why this Buddhist Monk statue defies traditional depictions of religious figures
Arhat (Luohan)
From a live Smarthistory webinar: Dr. Kristen Loring Brennan on Ren Xiong's Self-Portrait
From a live webinar: Dr. Kristen Loring ...
A rare Yuan dynasty painting shows animals and insects feeding off each other.
Xie Chufang, Fascination of Nature, handscroll
The Admonitions of the Instructress to the Court Ladies is an eighth-century copy of the earliest and finest painting attributed to Gu Kaizhi, and illustrates a political parody
Admonitions Scroll, attributed to Gu Kaizhi
A literati painter, Qian painted landscapes, historical figures and flowers.
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