707313 History of Eastern Art/3

Chapter IIIChinese Art : The Spirit of The East

Yuanmou Man : Early Paleolithic Age (1 Million years old)

Beijing Man : Homo erectus pekinensis (700,000-500,000 years old)

Chinese Art Before Imperial Period (Qin Dynasty)

Chinese Stone Age Art (10,000 B.C.)- Neolithic Period (Yangshao culture / 6th millennium B.C. )- Jade Culture (Liangzhu culture in Yangtze River delta / 5th-4th millennium B.C.) - Bronze Age (Xia Dynasty / 2070 B.C.-1600 B.C. )

Chinese History Before Imprial Period

Map of China

Chinese Bronze Age : Xia Dynasty (2070 BC – 1600 BC)

The Xia Dynasty (Chinese: 夏朝夏朝夏朝夏朝; pinyin: Xià Cháo 2070 – 1600 BC) is the first

dynasty in China to be described in ancient historical chronicles such as Records of the Grand

Historian and Bamboo Annals, succeeded by the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC).

According to the traditional chronology based upon calculations by Liu Xin, the Xia ruled

between 2205 and 1766 BC; according to the chronology based upon the Bamboo Annals, it ruled

between 1989 and 1558 BC. The Xia Shang Zhou Chronology Project concluded that the Xia

existed between 2070 and 1600 BC. The tradition of tracing Chinese political history from heroic

early emperors to the Xia to succeeding dynasties comes from the idea of the Mandate of Heaven.early emperors to the Xia to succeeding dynasties comes from the idea of the Mandate of Heaven.

Chinese Bronze Age : Shang or Yi Dynasty (1766 BC - 1122 BC)

The Shang Dynasty (Chinese: 商朝商朝商朝商朝) or Yin Dynasty (殷代殷代殷代殷代) was according to

traditional sources the second Chinese dynasty, after the Xia Dynasty. They ruled in the

northeastern regions of the area known as "China proper" in the Yellow River valley. According to

the chronology based upon calculations by Liu Xin, the Shang ruled between 1766 BC and 1122

BC, but according to the chronology based upon the Bamboo Annals, they ruled between 1556 BC

and 1046 BC. The results of the Xia Shang Zhou Chronology Project place them between 1600 BC

and 1046 BC. According to historical tradition, the Shang Dynasty followed the (possibly mythical)

Xia Dynasty and preceded the Zhou Dynasty.Xia Dynasty and preceded the Zhou Dynasty.

Shang Dynasty Artifact : Jade (1766 BC and 1122)

Shang Dynasty Artifact : Bronze (1766 BC and 1122)

Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE)

The Spring and Autumn Period (春秋時代春秋時代春秋時代春秋時代; pinyin : Chūn qiū shí dài)and Warring States Period ( 戰國時代戰國時代戰國時代戰國時代; pinyin: Zhànguó Shídài)

The Zhōu Dynasty (1046–256 BCE) (Chinese: 周朝周朝周朝周朝; pinyin: Zhōucháo)

The Zhōu Dynasty was a Chinese dynasty that followed the Shāng Dynasty and

preceded the Qín Dynasty. Although the Zhōu Dynasty lasted longer than any other dynasty in

Chinese history, the actual political and military control of China by the Zhōu Dynasty's ruling Jī

(Chinese: ) family only lasted during the Western Zhōu period.

Influence of K’ung Fu Tzu and Lao Tzu

K’ung Fu Tzu or Confucianism is a Chinese ethical and philosophical system

developed from the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius (Kǒng Fūzǐ, or

K'ung-fu-tzu, lit. "Master Kong", 551–478 BC). It is a complex system of moral, social, political,

philosophical, and quasi-religious thought that influenced the culture and history of

East Asia. It might be considered a state religion of some East Asian countries,

because of state promotion of Confucian philosophies.because of state promotion of Confucian philosophies.

K’ung Fu Tsu and The Philosophy of Confucius

In Confucianism, human beings are teachable, improvable and perfectible through personal and communal endeavour especially including self-cultivation and self-creation. A main idea of Confucianism is the cultivation of virtue and the development of moral perfection. Confucianism holds that one should give up one's life, if necessary, either passively or actively, for the sake of upholding the cardinal moral values of ren and yi.Contents 1. Themes in Confucian thought1. Themes in Confucian thought1.1 Humanity : (pinyin : Ren) 1.2 Ritual : (pinyin : Li)1.3 Loyalty : (pinyin: zhōng)1.4 Filial piety : (pinyin: xiào)1.5 (Series of 5)Relationships : (pinyin: wǔlún)1.6 The gentleman (pinyin: jūnzǐ)1.7 Rectification of names (pinyin: zhèngmíng)2.Governance3. Meritocracy

Influence of K’ung Fu Tzu and Lao Tzu

Lao Tzu (pinyin: Lǎozǐ; Wade–Giles: Lao Tzu; also Lao Tse, Lao Tu, Lao-Tzu, Lao-Tsu, Lao Zi, Laocius, and

other variations) was a mystic philosopher of ancient China, best known as the author

of the Tao Te Ching. His association with the Tao Te Ching has led him to be

traditionally considered the founder of Taoism (pronounced as "Daoism"). He is

also revered as a deity in most religious forms of the Taoist religion, which often

refers to Laozi as Taishang Laojun, or "One of the Three Pure Ones". Laozi

translated literally from Chinese means "old master" or "old one", and is generally translated literally from Chinese means "old master" or "old one", and is generally

considered honorific.

Lao Tzu-Taoism and The Tao Te Ching (Daodejing)

According to Chinese tradition, Laozi lived in the 6th century BCE.

Historians variously contend that Laozi is a synthesis of multiple historical figures,

that he is a mythical figure, or that he actually lived in the 4th century BCE,

concurrent with the Hundred Schools of Thought and Warring States Period.

The Daodejing, often called simply the Laozi after its reputed author, describes the

Dao (or Tao) as the mystical source and ideal of all existence: it is Dao (or Tao) as the mystical source and ideal of all existence: it is

unseen, but not transcendent, immensely powerful yet supremely humble, being

the root of all things. According to the Daodejing, humans have no special place

within the Dao, being just one of its many ("ten thousand") manifestations. People

have desires and free will (and thus are able to alter their own nature). Many act

"unnaturally", upsetting the natural balance of the Dao. The Daodejing intends to

lead students to a "return" to their natural state, in harmony with Dao. Language

and conventional wisdom are critically assessed. Taoism views them as inherently

biased and artificial, widely using paradoxes to sharpen the point

Lao Tzu one of “THE THREE PURE ONE”

Three Pure Pellucid Ones, the Three Pristine Ones, the Three Divine Teachers,

the Three Clarities, or the Three Purities is the Taoist Trinity, the three highest

Gods in the Taoist pantheon. They are regarded as pure manifestation of the Tao,

and are regarded as the originator of all sentient beings in existence. From the

Taoist classic Tao Te Ching, it was held that "The Tao produced One; One

produced Two; Two produced Three; Three produced All things"produced Two; Two produced Three; Three produced All things"

The Jade Purity: The Yuanshi Tianzun The Supreme Pure One:LingbaoTianzun The Grand Pure One:Daode Tianzun

Lao Tzu-Daoism and The Tao Te Ching (Daodejing)

The story of Laozi has taken on strong religious overtones since the Han

dynasty. As Daoism took root, Laozi was recognized as a god. Belief in the

revelation of the Dao from the divine Laozi resulted in the formation of the Way of

the Celestial Master, the first organized religious Daoist sect. In later mature Daoist

tradition, Laozi came to be seen as a personification of Dao. He is said to have

undergone numerous "transformations", or taken on various guises in various undergone numerous "transformations", or taken on various guises in various

incarnations throughout history to initiate the faithful in the Way. Religious Daoism

often holds that the "Old Master" did not disappear after writing the Daodejing, but

rather traveled to India to reveal the Dao.

Lao and Yinxi

Laozi's relationship with the guardian of the western pass, named Yinxi

(Yin Hse), is the subject of numerous legends. It is Yinxi who asked Laozi to write

down his wisdom in the traditional account of the Daodejing's creation. The story of

Laozi transmitting the Daodejing to Yinxi is part of a broader theme involving Laozi

the deity delivering salvific truth to a suffering humanity. Regardless, the

deliverance of the Daodejing was the ultimate purpose of his human incarnation. deliverance of the Daodejing was the ultimate purpose of his human incarnation.

Folklore developed around Laozi and Yinxi to demonstrate the ideal interaction of

Taoist master and disciple.

Taoism and Painting

The Tao is understood by Taoists as a mysterious, dynamic and creative

force that is beyond definition. Paintings, have long been felt to be the most

receptive medium for the expression of the essential, indivisible, Tao, and are

considered to be far superior to either speech or the written word. The Taoist way

in art is to gradually attune the onlooker through the particular inner rhythms of

nature to the essence of the great Tao itself.

Taoism and Painting

Painting from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)

Taoism and Painting

The Six Canons of Chinese Brush Painting

Painting With Joyous Freedom!Painting With Joyous Freedom!

After the Han Dynasty (207-A.D. 220) collapsed, a civilized, poetic drunkenness was

embraced. The group of poets named the 'Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove' were the epitome

of a romanticized image of the tipsy Chinese scholar who painted and created poetry by

moonlight.

This literati was interested in transformation, expression and virtuosity. In their desire to

escape the disastrous world they saw around them, they sought self cultivation. Their world view,

based on a wish to live morally and truthfully, caused them to create an esthetic of tension

between the unbalanced and the balanced. Everything then had a place but actually it was never

quite fitting. The child-like qualities of intuitive knowledge and great capacity were most valued.


In the 5th Century A.D., Hsieh Ho wrote the "Six Canons of Painting" which form the basis of all

Chinese Brush Painting to this very day. They are:

1. "Circulation of the Ch'i": (Breath, Spirit, Vital Force of Heaven) - producing "movement of life". This is in the heart

of the artist.

2. "Brush Stroke Creates Structure": This is referred to as the bone structure of the painting. The stronger the brush

work, the stronger the painting. Character is produced by a combination of strong and lighter strokes, thick and thin,

wet and dry.

3. "According to the Object, Draw its Form": Draw the object as you see it! In order to do this, it is very important first


3. "According to the Object, Draw its Form": Draw the object as you see it! In order to do this, it is very important first

to understand the form of the object! This will produce a work that is not necessarily totally realistic but as you "see"

it. Thus, the more you study the object to be painted, the better you will paint it.

4. "According to the Nature of the Object Apply Color": Black is considered a color and the range of shadings it is

capable of in the hands of a master painter creates an impression of colors. If color is used, it is always true to the

subject matter.

5. "Organize Compositions With the Elements in Their Proper Place.": Space is used in Chinese Brush Painting the

same way objects are used. Space becomes an integral part of the composition.

6. "In copying, seek to pass on the essence of the master's brush & methods": To the Chinese, copying is

considered most essential and only when the student fully learns the time honored techniques, can he branch out

into areas of individual creativity.

The Six Canons of Chinese Brush PaintingThe Six Canons of Chinese Brush Painting

Imprial Period 221 BC.

Qin Dynasty

The Qin Dynasty

(Chinese: 秦朝秦朝秦朝秦朝; pinyin: Qín Cháo)

The Qin Dynasty was the first ruling

dynasty of Imperial China, lasting

from 221 to 207 BC. The Qin state

derived its name from its heartland

of Qin, in modern-day Shaanxi. The

strength of the Qin state was greatly strength of the Qin state was greatly

increased by the legalist reforms of

Shang Yang in the 4th century BC,

during the Warring States Period. In

the mid and late third century BC,

the Qin accomplished a series of

swift conquests, first ending the

powerless Zhou Dynasty, and then

eventually destroying all other six of

the major states to gain control over

the whole of China.

Shang Yang : The Most Important Stateman of Qin

Shang Yang

(Chinese: 商鞅商鞅商鞅商鞅; pinyin: Shāng Yāng; 390 BC – 338 BC)

was an important statesman of the State of Qin

during the Warring States Period of Chinese

history. Born Wei Yang in the State of Wei, with

the support of Duke Xiao of Qin Yang enacted

numerous reforms in Qin. These were in numerous reforms in Qin. These were in

accordance with his legalist philosophy as

recorded in The Book of Lord Shang and

assisted Qin in its change from a peripheral state

to that of a militarily powerful and strongly

centralized kingdom. He changed the

administration of the state through an emphasis

on meritocracy and devolvement of power from

the nobility.

The Emperor “Qin Shihuang Di”Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇秦始皇秦始皇秦始皇) (259 BC – 210 BC),

personal name Ying Zheng (嬴政嬴政嬴政嬴政), was king of the Chinese

State of Qin from 246 BC to 221 BC during the Warring States

Period. He became the first emperor of a unified China in 221

BC. He ruled until his death in 210 BC at the age of 49.

Calling himself the First Emperor (始皇帝始皇帝始皇帝始皇帝) after

China's unification, Qin Shi Huang is a pivotal figure in Chinese China's unification, Qin Shi Huang is a pivotal figure in Chinese

history, ushering nearly two millennia of imperial rule. After

unifying China, he and his chief advisor Li Si passed a series

of major economic and political reforms. He undertook gigantic

projects, including the first version of the Great Wall of China,

the now famous city-sized mausoleum guarded by a life-sized

Terracotta Army, and a massive national road system, all at

the expense of numerous lives. To ensure stability, Qin Shi

Huang outlawed and burned many books and buried some

scholars alive

Li SiLi Si (Chinese: 李斯; pinyin: Lǐ Sī) (ca. 280 BC – September or October 208 BC)

Li Si was the influential Prime Minister (or Chancellor) of the feudal state and later of the

dynasty of Qin, between 246 BC and 208 BC. A famous Legalist, he was also a notable

calligrapher. Li Si served under two rulers: Qin Shi Huang, king of Qin and later First Emperor of

China—and his son, Qin Er Shi. A powerful minister, he was central to the state's policies,

including those on military conquest, draconian centralization of state control, standardization of

weights, measures and the written script, and persecution of Confucianism and opponents of

Legalism. His methods of administration of China is seen by some as being an early form of Legalism. His methods of administration of China is seen by some as being an early form of

totalitarianism.

Believing in a highly bureaucratic system, Li Si is considered to have been central to the

efficiency of the state of Qin and the success of its military conquest. He was also instrumental in

systemizing standard measures and currency in post-unified China. He further helped systemize

the written Chinese language by promulgating as the imperial standard the small seal script which

had been in use in the state of Qin all along. In this process, variant graphs within the Qin script

were proscribed, as were variant scripts from the different regions which had been conquered.

This would have a unification effect on the Chinese culture for thousands of years.

Li SiLi Si was also the author of the Cangjie Pian (仓颉篇仓颉篇仓颉篇仓颉篇/倉頡篇倉頡篇倉頡篇倉頡篇), the first Chinese language

primer of which fragments still exist.

Development of Chinese Character and Calligraphy

**Chinese dictionaries date back over two millennia to the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, which is a

significantly longer lexicographical history than any other language.

The Construction of The First Version of Great Wall of China

Great Wall of China From Space

The Three Kingdoms 220-280 AD.

The Three Kingdoms Period (pinyin : Sānguó shídài ) 220–280 AD.

The three kingdoms were Wei (魏), Shu (蜀), and Wu ( ). To further

distinguish these states from other historical Chinese states of the same name,

historians add a relevant character: Wei is also known as Cao Wei (曹魏), Shu

is also known as Shu Han (蜀漢), and Wu is also known as Dong Wu or Eastern

Wu (東 ). The term "Three Kingdoms" itself is something of a mistranslation,

since each state was eventually headed not by kings, but by an emperor who

claimed legitimate succession from the Han Dynasty. Although the translation claimed legitimate succession from the Han Dynasty. Although the translation

"Three Empires" is more contextually accurate, the term "Three Kingdoms" has

become standard among sinologists.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms

The opening lines of the novel summarize this view:

“The world under heaven, after a long period of division, will be united; after a long period of union, will be divided.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms, written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th

century, is a Chinese historical novel based on the events in the turbulent years

near the end of the Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history,

starting in 169 and ending with the reunification of the land in 280.

The Three Kingdoms Period : Yellow Turban Rebellion

The power of the Eastern Han Dynasty went into depression and steadily declined

after the reign of Emperor He from a variety of political and economic problems. A series of

Han emperors ascended the throne while still youths, and de facto imperial power often rested

with the emperors' older relatives. Political posturing and infighting between imperial relatives

and eunuch officials was a constant problem in Chinese government at the time.

During the reigns of Emperor Huan and Emperor Ling, leading officials' During the reigns of Emperor Huan and Emperor Ling, leading officials'

dissatisfaction with the eunuchs' usurpations of power reached a peak, and many began to

openly protest against them. The first and second protests met with failure, and the court

eunuchs persuaded the emperor to execute many of the protesting scholars. Some local rulers

seized the opportunity to exert despotic control over their lands and citizens, since many

feared to speak out in the oppressive political climate. Emperors Huan and Ling's reigns were

recorded as particularly dark periods of Han Dynasty rule. In addition to political oppression

and mismanagement, China experienced a number of natural disasters during this period, and

local rebellions sprung up throughout the country.

The Three Kingdoms Period : Yellow Turban Rebellion

In the second month of 184, Zhang Jiao, leader of the Way of Supreme Peace, a

Taoist movement, along with his two brothers Zhang Liang and Zhang Bao, led the

movement's followers in a rebellion against the government that was called the Yellow Turban

Rebellion. Their movement quickly attracted followers and soon numbered several hundred

thousands and received support from many parts of China. They had 36 bases throughout

China, with large bases having 10,000 or more followers and minor bases having 6,000 to

7,000, similar to Han armies.

The Kingdom of Wei or Cao Wei ( 曹魏曹魏曹魏曹魏)

Cao Wei was one of the states that competed for control of China during the Three

Kingdoms period. With the capital at Luoyang, the state was established by Cao Pi in 220,

based upon the foundations that his father Cao Cao laid. Its name came from 213, when Cao

Cao's feudal holdings were given the name Wei; historians often add the prefix Cao (曹曹曹曹, from

Cao Cao's family name) to distinguish it from the other states in Chinese history also known

as Wei, such as the earlier Wei state during the Warring States Period, and the later Northern

Wei state. In 220, when Cao Pi deposed the last emperor of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Wei

became the name of the new dynasty he founded, which was seized and controlled by the became the name of the new dynasty he founded, which was seized and controlled by the

Sima family in 249, until it was overthrown and became part of the Jin Dynasty in 265.

Cao Cao The Founder of Wei State

Cao Cao (155 – March 15,

220) was a warlord and the penultimate

chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty

who rose to great power during the

dynasty's final years. As one of the

central figures of the Three Kingdoms

period, he laid the foundations for what

was to become the state of Cao Wei and was to become the state of Cao Wei and

was posthumously titled Emperor Wu of

Wei. Although often portrayed as a cruel

and merciless tyrant, Cao Cao has also

been praised as a brilliant ruler and

military genius who treated his

subordinates like his family. He was also

skilled in poetry and martial arts and

authored many war journals.Ming Dynasty block print portrait of Cao Cao

The Tomb of Cao Cao

Cao Cao The Founder of Wei State

Cao Pi (187 – 29 June 226), formally known as

Emperor Wen of Wei, was the first emperor of the state of

Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese

history. Born in Qiao County, Pei Commandery (present-day

Bozhou, Anhui), he was the second son of the late Han Dynasty

warlord Cao Cao.

Cao Pi was the eldest son of Cao Cao and his

concubine (later wife) Lady Bian. Of all his brothers, Cao Pi concubine (later wife) Lady Bian. Of all his brothers, Cao Pi

was the most shrewd. Instead of studying hard or conducting

military affairs, he was always in the presence of court

officials in order to gain their support. He was mostly in

charge of defense at the start of his career. After the defeat

of rival warlord Yuan Shao at the Battle of Guandu, he took

the widow of Yuan Shao's son Yuan Xi, Lady Zhen, as a

consort, although eventually she lost his favor and was

forced to commit suicide. After he became emperor, his

other favorite, Guo Nüwang, became empress.

A 7th century Tang Dynasty era painting

of Cao Pi and ministers at his side, by

Yan Liben (600-673)

Sima Yi “The Cao Wei Military Strategist” (179 – September 7, 251)

Sima Yi (179 – September 7, 251) was a strategist,

general, and politician of the state of Cao Wei during the

Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He is perhaps best

known for defending Cao Wei from Zhuge Liang's Northern

Expeditions. His success and subsequent rise in prominence

paved the way for his grandson Sima Yan's founding of the

Jin Dynasty, which would eventually bring an end to the Three

Kingdoms era. In 265 after the Jin Dynasty was established, Kingdoms era. In 265 after the Jin Dynasty was established,

Sima Yi was posthumously honored as Emperor Xuan of Jin

with the temple name of Gaozu.

"Sculpture of Zhuge Liang in the Temple of

Marquis of Wu in Chengdu

Lü Bu "Flying General" (died February, 199)

Lü Bu (died February, 199) was a military general

and later a minor warlord during the late Han Dynasty period

of Chinese history. According to the Records of Three

Kingdoms, Lü Bu was highly-skilled in horse-riding and

archery, and was thus nicknamed "Flying General". His image

as a handsome and mighty warrior wearing a pheasant-tailed

headdress and wielding a ji known as the "Sky Piercer" (方天方天方天方天

畫戟畫戟畫戟畫戟; pinyin: Fāngtiān Huàjǐ) on top of his steed Red Hare was 畫戟畫戟畫戟畫戟; pinyin: Fāngtiān Huàjǐ) on top of his steed Red Hare was

later popularized by Luo Guanzhong's historical novel

Romance of the Three Kingdoms. In the story, he is

considered the single most powerful warrior in all of China.

"

Diao chan “one of the Four Beauties of ancient China”

Diao chan was one of the Four Beauties of

ancient China. She was said to have been born in 161

or 169 or 176, depending on the source. However,

unlike the other three beauties, there is no known

evidence that suggests her existence, therefore she is

likely to be a fictional character.

In one folk tale, Diaochan was captured by

Cao Cao after the Battle of Xiapi and he presented her Cao Cao after the Battle of Xiapi and he presented her

to Guan Yu, hoping to win Guan's loyalty towards him.

Guan Yu suspected that he was being tricked when he

recalled how Diaochan had betrayed Lü Bu and Dong

Zhuo earlier. Guan Yu killed her to prevent her from

doing further harm.[citation needed] In another tale, Liu

Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei all wanted to marry

Diaochan and they argued bitterly over the issue. Guan

Yu killed her to end the dispute. "

The Kingdom of Shu or Shu Han ( 蜀漢蜀漢蜀漢蜀漢)

Shu Han was one of the three

states competing for control of China during

the Three Kingdoms period, after the fall of

the Han Dynasty. The state was based on

areas around Sichuan, which was then

known as Shu. Some historians argue it was

the last Han Dynasty because its founding

emperor Liu Bei was directly related to the emperor Liu Bei was directly related to the

sovereign family of the original Han Dynasty,

and bore their surname. The other two states

were Cao Wei in central and northern China

and Eastern Wu in southeastern China. The

state is sometimes known as the Kingdom of

Shu, though this usage is ambiguous as it

was the name of the older Shu state in the

area (ca. 1046 BC – 316 BC).

The Leader of Shu Han Kingdom “ Liu Bei The Ideal Benevolent of Confucius”

Culturally, due to the popularity of

the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms by

Luo Guanzhong, Liu Bei is widely known as

the ideal benevolent, humane ruler who cared

for his people and selected good advisors for

his government. His fictional character was a

salutary example of a ruler who adhered to

the Confucian set of moral values, such as the Confucian set of moral values, such as

loyalty and compassion. Historically, Liu Bei

was a brilliant politician and leader whose skill

was a remarkable demonstration of a Legalist.

His political philosophy can best be described

by the Chinese idiom "Confucian in

appearance but Legalist in substance," a style

of governing which had become the norm

after the founding of the Han Dynasty.

The Oath of the Peach Garden

“When saying the names Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, although the surnames are different, yet we have come

together as brothers. From this day forward, we shall join forces for a common purpose, and come to each other's aid in times of

crisis. We shall avenge the nation from above, and pacify the citizenry from below. We seek not to be born on the same day, in

The Oath of the

Peach Garden as

depicted in a Ming

Dynasty edition of

Romance of the

Three Kingdoms

"Oath of the Peach Garden" inside the Long Corridor on the

grounds of the Summer Palace in Beijing, China

crisis. We shall avenge the nation from above, and pacify the citizenry from below. We seek not to be born on the same day, in

the same month and in the same year. We merely hope to die on the same day, in the same month and in the same year. May

the Gods of Heaven and Earth attest to what is in our hearts. If we should ever do anything to betray our friendship, may the

Gods in Heaven strike us dead.”

The Oath of the Peach Garden was a fictional event in Luo Guanzhong's historical

novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. In this event, Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei took

an oath of fraternity in a ceremony amid peach blossom trees, and became sworn brothers

from then on. Their goal in taking the oath was to protect the Han Dynasty from the Yellow

Turban rebels. The oath bound the three men, who would later play important roles in the

establishment of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period. It is also often

alluded to as a symbol of fraternal loyalty.

The Five Tiger GeneralsThe Five Tiger Generals is a popular appellation in

Chinese culture for any five military generals serving under a

ruler. This term is used in literature texts, plays and popular

culture. In the historical context, "Five Tiger Generals" usually

refers to the five best military generals serving under the ruler.

The term does not appear in Chinese historical records and not

used officially.

- Guan Yu- Guan Yu

- Zhang Fei

- Zhao Yun

- Ma Chao

- Huang Zhong

Guan Yu (died 220)

Guan Yu (died 220) was a general serving under

the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han

Dynasty era of China. He played a significant

role in the civil war that led to the collapse of the

Han Dynasty and the establishment of Shu Han

of the Three Kingdoms, of which Liu Bei was the

first emperor.

As one of the best known Chinese As one of the best known Chinese

historical figures throughout East Asia, Guan's

true life stories have largely given way to

fictionalized ones, mostly found in the historical

novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms or

passed down the generations, in which his

deeds and moral qualities have been lionized.

Guan is respected as an epitome of loyalty and

righteousness.Guan Yu captures Pang De, a Ming Dynasty painting by Shang

Xi, c. 1430

Zhang Fei (died 221)

Zhang Fei was a military general of Shu Han

during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history.

Zhang Fei was originally a wealthy butcher from

Zhuo Commandery (present-day Zhuozhou, Hebei). In 184,

he and Guan Yu joined Liu Bei's militia to assist the

government in suppressing the Yellow Turban Rebellion,

which broke out towards the end of the Han Dynasty. His

relationship with Liu Bei and Guan Yu was so close that they relationship with Liu Bei and Guan Yu was so close that they

treated each other like brothers. Since then, Zhang Fei

followed Liu Bei on most of his early exploits.

Zhao Yun (died 229)

Zhao Yun (died 229) was a military general who lived

during the late Han Dynasty and early Three Kingdoms era of

Chinese history. For most of his career, Zhao served the warlord

Liu Bei, playing a part in the establishment of state of Shu Han. In

literature and folklore, he is lauded as the third member of the Five

Tiger Generals.

Due to limits in historical records, many facts about

Zhao's life remain unclear or unknown. The original records in Zhao's life remain unclear or unknown. The original records in

Chen Shou's Records of Three Kingdoms are only a couple of

hundred words long. Pei Songzhi's annotations provide a relatively

clear, though still incomplete picture of Zhao's life.

"Zhao Yun's Fight at

Changban" inside the

Long Corridor on the

grounds of the Summer

Palace in Beijing, China.

The rider in white is

Zhao Yun.

Zhuge Liang (181–234)

Zhuge Liang (181–234) was a chancellor of the

state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of

Chinese history. He is often recognised as the greatest and

most accomplished strategist of his era.

Often depicted wearing a robe and holding a hand

fan made of crane feathers, Zhuge Liang was not only an

important military strategist and statesman; he was also an

accomplished scholar and inventor. His reputation as an accomplished scholar and inventor. His reputation as an

intelligent and learned scholar grew even while he was living

in relative seclusion, earning him the nickname "Wolong"

"Sculpture of Zhuge Liang in the Temple of

Marquis of Wu in Chengdu

The Kingdom of Wu ( )

Eastern Wu, also known as

Sun Wu, was one the three

states competing for control

of China during the Three

Kingdoms period after the

fall of the Han Dynasty. It

was based in the Jiangnan

(Yangtze River Delta) (Yangtze River Delta)

region of China. During its

existence, its capital was at

Jianye (建業建業建業建業; present-day

Nanjing, Jiangsu), but at

times it was also at

Wuchang (武昌武昌武昌武昌; present-

day Ezhou, Hubei).

Sun Quan The Emperor of Wu

Sun Quan (182–252),son of Sun

Jian, formally Emperor Da of Wu, was the

founder of Eastern Wu during the Three

Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He

ruled from 222 to 229 as King of Wu and

from 229 to 252 as Emperor of Wu.

Sun Quan was born in 182, while

his father Sun Jian was still a general of the his father Sun Jian was still a general of the

Han Dynasty. After his father's death in 191,

he became the charge of his brother Sun

Ce. As he grew up, he served his brother

during the conquests of the region south of

the Yangtze River. He was made a county

magistrate in 196, at the age of 14, and

continued to rise through the ranks as his

brother gave him more and more important

tasks.

Zhou Yu “The Great Military General of Wu”

Zhou Yu (175–210)[1] was a military general

and strategist who served his close friend, the warlord

Sun Ce, during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese

history. After the death of Sun Ce, another prominent

warlord, Cao Cao, led a massive force southward with

the intention to conquer the Jiangdong region, Zhou Yu

was assigned by Sun Ce's brother and successor, Sun

Quan, to be the naval commander for the defensive Quan, to be the naval commander for the defensive

forces and he defeated Cao Cao's forces at the decisive

Battle of Red Cliffs in 208. The subsequent Battle of

Jiangling, which had Lieutenant General (偏將軍偏將軍偏將軍偏將軍) Zhou

Yu serving as the commander-in-chief of Sun Quan's

forces, solidified the survivability of the future Eastern Wu

regime. Thus, Zhou Yu was praised by Sun Quan to be

the sole person who enabled him to become an emperor

years after Zhou's death.

Battle of Red Cliffs “winter of 208/209”

The Battle of Red Cliffs, otherwise known

as the Battle of Chibi, was a decisive battle at the

end of the Han Dynasty, immediately prior to the

Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. It was

fought in the winter of 208/9 AD between the allied

forces of the southern warlords Liu Bei and Sun

Quan and the numerically superior forces of the

northern warlord Cao Cao. Liu Bei and Sun Quan northern warlord Cao Cao. Liu Bei and Sun Quan

successfully frustrated Cao Cao's effort to conquer

the land south of the Yangtze River and reunite the

territory of the Eastern Han Dynasty. The allied

victory at Red Cliffs ensured the survival of Liu Bei

and Sun Quan, gave them control of the Yangtze

and provided a line of defence that was the basis

for the later creation of the two southern states of

Shu Han and Eastern Wu.

Jin Dynasty 265 - 420 AD.

Jin Dynasty 265 - 420 AD.

The Jìn Dynasty (traditional Chinese: 晉朝晉朝晉朝晉朝; pinyin: Jìn Cháo), was a dynasty in

Chinese history, lasting between the years 265 and 420 AD. There are two main divisions in

the history of the Dynasty, the first being Western Jin (ch: 西晉西晉西晉西晉, 265–316) and the second

Eastern Jin (ch: 東晉東晉東晉東晉 317–420). Western Jin was founded by Sima Yan, with its capital at

Luoyang, while Eastern Jin was begun by Sima Rui, with its capital at Jiankang. The two

periods are also known as Liang Jin (ch: 两晋两晋两晋两晋 lit, two Jin) and Sima Jin by scholars, to

distinguish this dynasty from other dynasties that use the same Chinese character, such as the

Later Jin Dynasty

Sima Yun Emperor Wu of Jin

The Sima clan was initially subordinate to the Wei dynasty,

but the clan's influence and power grew greatly after the incident at

Gaoping tombs in 249. In 265, Sima Yan forced emperor Cao Huan of

Wei to abdicate the throne to him, ending Wei and starting Jin (as

Emperor Wu). He named his dynasty after the state of Jin of the

Spring and Autumn Period that once ruled the Sima clan's home

county of Wen in Henei (present day Wen County, Henan).

In 280, the Jin conquered Eastern Wu and unified China, In 280, the Jin conquered Eastern Wu and unified China,

but internal conflicts, corruption, and political turmoil quickly weakened

the dynasty, and the unification lasted only ten years. Upon the advent

of the second Jin emperor, Emperor Hui, various imperial princes tried

to grab power in the devastating War of the Eight Princes. The Wu Hu

uprising followed, during which large numbers of refugees fled south

while the north was occupied by various nomadic tribes. This marked

the end of the Western Jin dynasty in 316 when the Jin court

evacuated to the region south of the Huai River, and the beginning of

the Eastern Jin and the Sixteen Kingdoms period.

Sima Yun Emperor Wu of Jin

Artifacts of Jin Dynasty 265 - 420 AD.

Southern and Northern (Nan Bei Chao) Dynasties 420-589 AD.

The Southern and Northern Dynasties (Chinese: 南北朝南北朝南北朝南北朝; pinyin:

Nánběicháo) was a period in the history of China that lasted from 420 to 589

AD. Though an age of civil war and political chaos, it was also a time of

flourishing arts and culture, advancement in technology, and the spreading of

Mahayana Buddhism and Daoism. The period saw the first recorded large-scale

migration of Han Chinese people to the lands south of the Yangtze River.

Southern and Northern (Nan Bei Chao) Dynasties 420-589 AD.

During this period the process of sinicization accelerated among the non-Chinese

arrivals in the north and among the aboriginal people in the south. This process was also

accompanied by the increasing popularity of Buddhism (introduced into China in the 1st

century AD) in both north and south China, along with Daoism gaining influence from the

outline of Buddhist scriptures (with two essential Daoist canons written during this period).

Although multiple story towers such as guard towers and residential apartments existed in

previous periods, during this period the distinct Chinese pagoda tower (for storing Buddhist

scriptures) evolved from the stupa, the latter originating from Buddhist traditions of protecting

sutras in ancient India.

The Division : Southern Dynasty 420-589 AD.

Although powerful in the conquest of the Wu Kingdom in 280 AD, the Jin Dynasty

was severely weakened after the War of the Eight Princes from 291 to 306 AD. During the

reigns of Emperor Huai of Jin and Emperor Min of Jin, the country was put into grave danger

with the uprising of the Wu Hu. The sieges and ultimate sacking of Luoyang in the year 311

and Chang'an in the year 316 by invading barbarian armies almost destroyed the dynasty.

However, a scion of the royal house, the Prince of Langya, fled south to salvage what was left

in order to sustain the empire. Cementing their power in the south, the Jin established

modern-day Nanjing (then called Jiankang) as their new capital, renaming the dynasty as the

Eastern Jin (317–420 AD) since the new capital was located southeast of Luoyang.

The Division : Southern Dynasty 420-589 AD.

It was during the Southern and Northern Dynasties period that southern China

(below the Yangtze River) was greatly developed from its previous state of early Chinese

colonization and settlement. Beforehand, the south was inhabited by small and isolated

communities of Chinese in a vast uncolonized wilderness of non-Chinese tribes, starting as a

near peripheral frontier and changing into a thriving, urbanized, sinicized region of China.

A scene of two horseback riders from a wall painting in the tomb of Lou Rui at Taiyuan, Shanxi.

Nan Bei Chao Dynasties and The Tenological Advance

Zu Chongzhi (429–500 AD) and The series of articles on the mathematical constant π and Cartography

There were notable technological advances during this period. With

the invention of the stirrup during the earlier Western Jin Dynasty, heavy

cavalry became standard in combat. Advances in medicine, astronomy,

mathematics, and cartography are also noted by historians. The famous

Chinese mathematician and astronomer Zu Chongzhi (429–500 AD) belonged

to this age, an intellectual and social product of the elite culture shaped and

developed in southern China during this period of time.

Zu Chongzhi (429–500 AD) and The series of articles on the mathematical constant π and Cartography

The Division : Northern Dynasty 386–534 AD.

In the first half of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534 AD), the Xianbei steppe

tribesmen who dominated northern China kept a policy of strict social distinction between them

and their Chinese subjects. Chinese were drafted into the bureaucracy, employed as officials

to collect taxes, etc. However, the Chinese were kept out of many higher positions of power.

They also represented the minority of the populace where centers of power were located,

such as the first Northern Wei capital at Pingcheng in modern-day northern Shanxi province

Yungang Grottoes 471-494

The Yungang Grottoes (traditional Chinese: 雲崗石窟雲崗石窟雲崗石窟雲崗石窟; pinyin: Yúngāng Shíkū) are

ancient Chinese Buddhist temple grottoes near the city of Datong in the province of Shanxi.

They are excellent examples of rock-cut architecture and one of the three most famous

ancient Buddhist sculptural sites of China. The others are Longmen and Mogao.

The site is located about 16 km south-west of the city, in the valley of the Shi Li

river at the base of the Wuzhou Shan mountains. They are an outstanding example of the

Chinese stone carvings from the 5th and 6th centuries. All together the site is composed of

252 grottoes with more than 51,000 Buddha statues and statuettes.


After the decline of the Jin Dynasty, the northern parts of China came under the

control of the Northern Wei. They made the city of Pingcheng, now known as Datong, their

capital. Due to its promotion, Pingcheng saw an increase in construction work. The Northern

Wei early adopted Buddhism as their state religion. Buddhism arrived in this location via travel

on the ancient North Silk Road, the northernmost route of about 2600 kilometres in length,

which connected the ancient Chinese capital of Xi'an to the west over the Wushao Ling Pass

to Wuwei and emerging in Kashgar before linking to ancient Parthia.

Longmen Grottoes

Grottoes

Mogao Grottoes

707313 History of Eastern Art/3

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Transcript of 707313 History of Eastern Art/3