The Chinese civilization is one of the oldest on earth. It originated about 6,000 years ago and significantly influenced the development of peoples inhabiting other Far Eastern countries. The Chinese have managed to achieve success in various fields of human activity, among which art has always been given one of the first places. The modern understanding of the art of Ancient China is formed mainly on the basis of studies of ancient burials.
Instructions
Step 1
5 - 3 c. BC. the territory of China was inhabited by tribes who created settlements from small adobe huts. They were engaged in agriculture and cattle breeding, they owned many crafts. The ceramics they created was named Yangshao. It represents vessels made of pale yellow or reddish brown fired clay, distinguished by their extraordinary regularity of shape. The vessels were covered with complex geometric patterns consisting of triangles, spirals, circles and rhombuses, as well as images of animals considered to be the patrons of the tribes.
Step 2
In the 2nd century. BC, in the valley of the Yellow River, the first Shan slave state was formed. The most interesting works of art from this period were the tombs. Their central chamber was located at a depth of about 10 m. It contained a double sarcophagus, which was painted with paints and inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Numerous precious objects were placed in the burial, made of carved jade, snow-white ceramics, gold and jasper, as well as patterned bronze swords and other items that were necessary for the afterlife. There were also many luxurious bronze vessels decorated with the finest geometric patterns. New relief patterns seemed to grow out of in-depth engraving. Ceramic vessels of the Shang period were sometimes made in the form of animals and birds, which were considered the guardians of human life - an owl, a tapir and a tiger.
Step 3
In the middle of the 1st century. BC. the shapes of bronze vessels are simplified, and the most complex relief ornamentation is replaced by images of hunting scenes made using the technique of incrustation with non-ferrous metals. Many exquisite items appear, intended for the nobility. Among them are round bronze mirrors, which were polished on the front side and inlaid with silver and gold on the back, lacquered furniture and musical instruments, products made of carved wood and stone.
Step 4
The art of Ancient China reached its highest rise in the 1st century. BC. - 3 c. AD The burials of this period are distinguished by a special scope. Noble people were buried in huge tombs, the walls of which were lined with ceramic or stone slabs, and the ceilings were supported by columns ending with a pair of dragons. The Alley of Spirits guarding the graves, framed by statues of animals, led to the burial. It was possible to enter its inner part through stone doors, which depicted four guardians of the cardinal points: a tiger (west), a phoenix (south), a dragon (east) and a turtle (north). The burials contained painted clay models of residential interiors, reproducing the life of the Han period in great detail. They contained bronze mirrors with various relief patterns, incense burners in the form of the "heavenly" sacred mountain of immortality Boshan, lamps depicting animals or graceful maids holding a lantern in their hands, bronze and clay vessels and figurines of galloping horses, musicians, dancers and servants.
