The Religious Art of China is a broad survey of the origins and development of the various forms of artistic expression of Chinese religions. The study begins with an overview of ancient archaeology in order to identify nascent religious ideologies in various Neolithic Cultures and early Chinese historical eras including the Shang dynasty (1300-1050 BCE) and Zhou Dynasty(1000-221 BCE) up until the era of the First Emperor (221-210 BCE) Part Two treats Confucianism as a religious tradition examining its scriptures, images, temples and rituals. Adopted as the state ideology in the Han dynasty, Confucian ideas permeated society for over two thousand years. Filial piety, ethical behavior and other principles shaped the pictorial arts. Part Three considers the various schools of Daoist belief and their expression in art. The ideas of a utopian society and the pursuit of immortality characterize this religion from its earliest phase. Daoism has an elaborate pantheon and ritualistic art, as well as a secular tradition best expressed in monochrome ink painting. Part Four covers the development of Buddhist art beginning with its entry into China in the second century. Its monuments comprised largely of cave temples carved high in the mountains along the frontiers of China and large metropolitan temples provide evidence of its evolution including the adoption of savior cults of the Buddha of the Western Paradise, the Buddha of the Future, the rise of Ch an (Zen) and esoteric Buddhism. In their development, these various religious traditions interacted, sharing art, architecture, iconography and rituals. By the twelfth century a stage of syncretism merged all three traditions into a popular religion. All the religions are reviving after their extirpation during the Cultural Revolution. Using historical records and artistic evidence, much of which has not been published, this study examines their individual and shared manner of worshipping the divine forces.

Chinese Religious Art is a broad survey of the origins and development of the various forms of artistic expression of Chinese religions. The study begins with an overview of ancient archaeology in order to identify nascent religious ideologies in various Neolithic Cultures and early Chinese historical eras including the Shang dynasty (1300-1050 BCE) and Zhou Dynasty(1000-221 BCE) up until the era of the First Emperor (221-210 BCE) Part Two treats Confucianism as a religious tradition examining its scriptures, images, temples and rituals. Adopted as the state ideology in the Han dynasty, Confucian ideas permeated society for over two thousand years. Filial piety, ethical behavior and other principles shaped the pictorial arts. Part Three considers the various schools of Daoist belief and their expression in art. The ideas of a utopian society and the pursuit of immortality characterize this religion from its earliest phase. Daoism has an elaborate pantheon and ritualistic art, as well as a secular tradition best expressed in monochrome ink painting. Part Four covers the development of Buddhist art beginning with its entry into China in the second century. Its monuments comprised largely of cave temples carved high in the mountains along the frontiers of China and large metropolitan temples provide evidence of its evolution including the adoption of savior cults of the Buddha of the Western Paradise, the Buddha of the Future, the rise of Ch an (Zen) and esoteric Buddhism. In their development, these various religious traditions interacted, sharing art, architecture, iconography and rituals. By the twelfth century a stage of syncretism merged all three traditions into a popular religion. All the religions are reviving after their extirpation during the Cultural Revolution. Using historical records and artistic evidence, much of which has not been published, this study examines their individual and shared manner of worshipping the divine forces."

This text deals with Chinese art during the Tang Dynasty, from 618 to 907. It presents the artistic findings from the last ten years of archaeological excavation in China-findings that have never before been published in the West. Court Art of the Tang reveals the magnificence of Tang art through the presentation of ceramics, wall paintings, and utensils made of gold, silver, bronze, and porcelain. The book aims to place these new materials in their artistic and historical context. It structures the new findings in chronological order, using culture and history as a background. The study treats each class of art separately and distinctly, exploring the aesthetic evolution of both secular and religious art. Relevant literary expressions incorporated into the discussions make Court Art of the Tang an especially unique work. The book gives readers a comprehensive and diverse look at the glorious and extraordinary achievements of a ruling family. The book consists of 233 pages of text, a bibliography and an index, a glossary, and 117 illustrations. Court Art of the Tang will provide insightful reading for art collectors and museum-goers and serve as an important text in Asian Studies Departments and in courses in the arts of China.Contents: List of Illustrations; Preface; Ackowledgements; Introduction; Early Tang 618-712; Middle Tang 712-805; Late Tang 805-907; Conclusion; Illustrations; Glossary; Bibliography; Index.