TheearliesttracesofChinesefolkmasks,datingbacktotheprehistoricage,havebeefounditherockpaintingsiMtHuashaofNingmingCounty,GuangZhuangAutonomousRegion,andMtYinshaofInnerMongoliaAutonomousRegion.Besides,humaimagerywearingmaskswasoftethesubjectforarchaiceartheandmuraldecorations.Itheprimitivesocieties,theearlyformsofmaskingwereusuallyconnectedwithmagicpractices,totemworship,musicanddance.Forinstance,asaritetodriveawaypestilenceithe12thmonthoftheancientlunarcalendar,theexorcisingdancewithwoodemasksappearedithelateShangDynasty(c.21st-11thcenturyBC);exorcisingactivitieswereprevailingandevebecameinstitutionalizedduringthefollowingZhouDynasty(c.11thcentury-256BC),withFangangshiasthechiefexorcist.
Chinese folk embroidery is a type of arts and crafts for both esthetic appreciation and practical use. The embroidered works have high decorative value, often with exquisite designs, and represent Chinese folk culture and traditional spirits. Thiook collects over 200 illustrations in 39 categories of folk embroidered worky the Han, Miao, Tujia, Yao, Dong, Tibetan, Dai and Manchu peoples. The acpanying detailed introductions will allow readers to truly appreciate the magnificence of folk embroideries.
China has a long history of agriculture, so in the earliest stages its festivals were intimately tied up with farming. Today, the Chinese continue to celebrate these festivals, bringing them even closer to their ancestors, creators of a splendid culture.
Chinahasalonghistoryofagriculture,sointheearlieststagesitsfestivalswereintimatelytiedupwithfarming.Today,theChinesecontinuetocelebratethesefestivals,bringingthemevenclosertotheirancestors,creatorsofasplendidculture.
Chinese folk embroidery is a type of arts and crafts for both esthetic appreciation and practical use. The embroidered works have high decorative value, often with exquisite designs, and represent Chinese folk culture and traditional spirits. Thiook collects over 200 illustrations in 39 categories of folk embroidered worky the Han, Miao, Tujia, Yao, Dong, Tibetan, Dai and Manchu peoples. The acpanying detailed introductions will allow readers to truly appreciate the magnificence of folk embroideries.
Traditional images of the lion are iconic cultural symbols of China. The lion is believed to be one of the most auspicious animals in Chinese folk culture. Images of the creature gradually gained popularity throughout the country as they spread from religious venues to people's homes. With their distinctive national character and regional features, rugged appearance and excellent craftsmanship, Chinese stone lions are favorites of the Chinese people.This book focuses on the development of stone lion carving, the evolution of its designs, the folk culture the creatures exemplify, the principles for stone lion carving, and the various styles and uses of stone lions. On these pages are more than 300 photographs of the carved beasts from nearly 20 regions in China.