Chinese literature is jointly created by 56 nationalities.Apart from Han nationality, the minorities also have their long and glorious history. The literature created by Chinese minoritiescan compare with Han nationality in quantity and quality. TheChinese ethnic minority literature is a general term for the litera-ture of all the minorities except Han nationality within China.
In 101 Stories for foreigners to Understand Chinese People Yiand Bryan Ellis tell stories about their experiences living inChina to introduce elements of Chinese culture，etiquette andinterpersonal interaction． When they moved from New York City to Shanghai they readseveral guide books and thought they were pre-pared．But dozens ofsmall yet significant cultural differences caught them bysurprise！ Three years（and numerous faux pass misunderstandings andmisinterpretations）later，they have written this book to helpreaders benefit from their experiences．Their stories explain boththe“what’s”and the“why’s”of Chinese customs，So that readers canbetter understand and appreciate the Chinese way of thinking andliving．Often，what seems bizarre and strange at first makes perfectsense if you see it from a Chinese perspective．Yi and Bryan haveenjoyed learning about Chinese culture and hope that the readerswill enjoy this journey of discovery as well．
Chinese folk toys have a long history. Folk toys were rooted in folk customs, and then spread, developed and evolved among the masses. Full of rural flavor, these toys made by folk artisans contain profound cultural significance. This book introduces Chinese folk toys, including their history and classification, along the main threads of seasons, customs and festivals. With over 200 photographs of folk toys from different areas of China, this book will vividly introduce readers to traditional Chinese toys including their significant cultural connotations.
New Year Picture (Nianhua) derives its name from the age-old custom of Chinese New Year decorations. A fascinating and popular art form, it in fact constitutes a separate branch of traditional Chinese ainting. The concept of New Year Picture refers to painted works made by local workshops and regularly posted inside and outside homes. New Year Picture encompasses all such paintings reflecting rural and urban lives, handmade by folk artisans, as well as those carved or produced and painted in local workshops. Folk New Yea~" Picture possesses colorful detail with abundant cultural and historical co~notations. here are five major categories of Chinese New Year Pictures discussed in this book: Door Gods, Folk Deities, Cute Babies and Beauties, Customs and Festivals, Stories and Local Operas. The principal images are explained with brief captions. Most of the New Year Pictures collected in this book are made by folk masters from every area of China.
The creators of Chinese folk art come from the working class masses of China's rural areas. They are mostly female laborers. A communal art, folk art would engender all of Chinese literature and all later art. Its presence is evident in everyday food, clothing, shelter and transportation; in traditional festivals, ceremonies and rituals, and in beliefs and taboos. As a living example of cultural heritage, it shows the continuity of Chinese culture from primitive society to present, a culture that bears distinct national and geographical characteristics. With this heritage, Chinese culture boasts the longest history and the richest historical sources, and of all cultures, considers itself the most widely shared and the most geographically distinct. Its cultural implication and art form accumulate a historical culture of 7,000-8,000 years dating back to primitive society.
I he art of stone carving has a long history in China. Created with astonishing skill, Chinese stone carvings are artistically appealing, highly functional as well as decorative, revealing distinctive national features and regional variations. This book deals with the history, varieties and schools of Chinese stone carving. It gives readers a comprehensive understanding of this time-honored folk art in concise terms.
The art of clay figure modeling in China boasts a long history that dates back to the Neolithic Age (about 4,000 to 10,000 years B.E). For instance, some pottery pigs and sheep have been discovered at the 6,000 to 7,000-year-old Hemudu site in Zhejiang Province. And the life-size terra cotta warriors and horses unearthed in 1974 from the mausoleum of the First Emperor (259-210 BC) of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) have been referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the Ancient World." In fact, archaeologists have excavated a great number of pottery figurines, animals, chariots, and boats from the tombs of the following Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). Naturally, the funeral custom of burying figurines and objects with the dead gave impetus to the development of clay sculpture at that time.
In the long process of Chinese history a lot of symbolic designs with auspicious meanings have been created.People use these designs to exorcize evil spirits,ask for blessing of various deities,and express their high hopes for life as well. Themed on good fortune,high rank,longevity,happiness,wealth,and prosperity,which represent all desires of those living in an agricultural society,the symbolic designs have been widely used either for festival celebrations or in people'Sdaily life such as house decorating,furniture carving and painting,handicrafts making,dress and personal ad ornment,etc. All in all,the symbolic designs and human activities involved constitute the elements of an“auspicious culture-an interesting cultural phenomenon peculiar to Chinese society.
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Ethnic architecture is mainly influenced by such factors as climate, environment,folk-customs, culture and history. Such architecture in China reflects the time period, the characferistics of the ethnic group, local and regional conditions as well as beliefs about life, all in combination with the natural environment. The structures are not only places for people to live, but also places for them to hold cultural activities. The architecture reflects the social concepts and aesthetic notions of the ethnic groups and due to its attention to ethic and conformity to rites and music it also expresses the national culture.
外国人选购中国书画的实用指南，图文并茂，方便携带，实用性强。 How to Select series give you all the information you need to choose and buy jade, embroidery, tea, souvenirs, calligraphy and paintings in China with confidence. One in a series of three titles, it explains clearly and simply what to look for, where and how to shop in China, and questions you should ask. Great tips, price guides and cautionary advice ensure that you get the best value for your money.
Has anyone seriously observed the houses scattered in China's metropolis, counties or towns？ Huge in number, these plain buildings have nothing to catch news headlines.History hasn't conferred them any special meaning, nor can they supply food for debates with ingenious design. However, such common houses represent the fundamental aesthetic awareness of contemporary Chinese.
