History of China begins Archaeologists have discovered foundations of their palaces and walled cities, and royal tombs that have had thousands of works in jade, lacquer, ivory, precious metals, and bronze.

Valuable possession of elite families used as a vessel for wine Shang decorative motifs, the stylized animal or monster face known as the taotie. Communicating with the spirit world through animal go-betweens

Bodhisattva- or “Buddha-to-be” Buddhism also recognized those who had either postponed death or returned for comfort or guidance to the living.

The earliest Chinese paintings that have survived to the present 2 kinds: Hanging scrolls Horizontal or hand scrolls

A long roll of illustrated parchment or silk Made for reflection and convenience

Most of the sculptures produced during this time was for religious reasons (Buddhism) Ex. Saddle Horse- tomb sculpture

Horses were highly prized by the Chinese Ex. Han Kan- quality of the brush line

The production of porcelain ware was brought to new heights during this time. Porcelain- a fine-grained, high-quality form of china Kaolin- white clay that porcelain is made from

Buddhism still had a major influence but is more relaxed and natural in style

Scholars were the product of an examination system designed to recruit the finest minds for government service. 4 scholar-painters of this time were known as the 4 Great masters of Yuan Scholar painters were not supposed to sell their work but to give it to each other as a token of friendship or favor. Their paintings almost always included an inscription and sometimes a poem.

Kuo Hsi- artist that wanted viewers to feel as if they were really in the place pictured Ex. Clearing Autumn Skies over Mountains and Valleys

Vanishing point- point at which receding parallel lines seem to converge As you unroll a scroll you may find that the perspective shifts and it makes you feel like you are traveling through the work

Painted scenes of quiet contemplation of nature

Use of stunning cobalt blue glaze was one of the major accomplishments in the development of Chinese porcelain Chinese paintings experienced a decline during this time

The mythological Chinese Dragon, dates back 5,000 years as a symbol of happiness, immortality, procreation, fertility and activity, and they are believed to ward off evil spirits

Yin yang are complementary opposites within a greater whole Taoist philosophy generally discounts good/bad distinctions as superficial labels, preferring to focus on the idea of balance It is impossible to talk about yin or yang without some reference to the opposite, since yin and yang are bound together as parts of a mutual whole Ex. A race with only men or women