Reviews

Books

Landscape Painting of Ancient China

Confucius once said that "the wise find pleasure in water; the virtuous find pleasure in hills". For ancient Chinese, touring mountains and rivers and observing astronomical phenomena was a way to discover the laws of nature. Such a deep-rooted philosophy gave birth to the traditional painting of mountains and waters (shanshui hua) that constitutes a unique school in the world of art.

The neatly arranged and eloquently translated English edition of Landscape Painting of Ancient China seeks to reflect upon this important Chinese art with 76 representative works from the Sui to the Qing dynasties (AD 581-1911).

Besides the full painting, a magnified portion illustrates the most important details. Compilers with the China Intercontinental Press not only explain the life story of the painters, but also give a brief introduction to the meaning of the paintings and their status in history.

For people who are attracted to Chinese culture and history, this book opens a window into the spiritual world of the literati. But it would be better if more explanation were given to the calligraphy inscribed in each painting, since the poems or verses are key to understanding the art work. Liu Jun

Peace and Dynamism: Nights in Beijing

Visitors to Beijing are often struck by the city's dual personality: While traces of an ancient capital can be found almost everywhere, the capital is taking on a resemblance to cities in Western countries.

Veteran photographer Zhu Hongyu has gained inspiration from the striking sights and sounds of the nightlife in Beijing. In the English edition of Peace and Dynamism: Nights in Beijing, the weighty history and newly completed landmarks are juxtaposed with the dynamic cultural activities.

For visitors too busy to explore the city, this book provides glimpses at carefully chosen angles. LJ

Chinese New Year Paintings

People who are unfamiliar with Chinese culture are often puzzled by the diverse symbols in traditional architecture, artifacts, dresses and folk arts. The China Intercontinental Press has published the China Folk Arts Series in several foreign languages that prove to be friendly guides to cultural aficionados.

Chinese New Year Paintings, for example, offers readers some rarely found folk paintings that were put on the front door and other places of the home during the Spring Festival. One glance at the well-designed book is enough to entice the reader to find out the hidden meanings behind the refined paintings.

In rural China, many farmers still put paintings of door guardians (men shen) on their front doors to fend off evil spirits and bring in good luck. But who are the most popular door guardians and what magical powers do they possess?

Why would ancient Chinese scholars pin their hopes of passing the imperial exam on an ugly ghost who is kicking on the Big Dipper in the galaxy?

Why would the Chinese favor pomegranate, fingered citron and peach among so many fruits?

Leaf through this small book and you'll be surprised at how much interesting information it contains. LJ

(China Daily 02/20/2008 page20)