Psychology of Marketing

Chinese Art

Chinese art is by far one of the most original and most talked about forms of art in the world. Its origins trace back all the way to 10,000 BC (Sullivan 15). The first forms of art by the Chinese culture mostly consisted of pottery and different types of sculptures. Throughout the centuries Chinese art has changed and has taken various forms. There were several art dynasties that had significant impact on both Chinese art and culture. These art dynasties lasted for several centuries changing the way Chinese art is viewed all over the world.

The earliest forms of Chinese art were made by the Neolithic Yangshao culture from the 6th century BC (Sullivan 24). There is evidence that the Neolithic Yangshao culture made pottery, drew abstract paintings, and even painted pictures of human faces and different forms of fish (Thorp 39). As time progressed, these forms of art became more specific, and there was also evidence of actual geometric shapes that were painted. The Neolithic Yangshao culture paved the way for most Chinese art (Thorp 34).

When the Bronze Age came about, Chinese art embarked upon a new horizon. During the Shang Dynasty Chinese art became more elaborate and more crafted. Bronze casting was adopted during this period (Thorp 77). Larger works of art were made, and the artwork itself was more detailed. The Chinese believed that every piece and part of the artwork must be decorated in some shape or form. The Shang dynasty also painted both real and imaginary animals on their artwork; this was a very rare form of art during this time period (Munsterberg 44). Weaponry and tools were also made from bronze during this time as well.

As the Zhou Dynasty approached, the appearance of bronze artwork steadily started to change. Chinese art began to be used for more practical purposes. For example, bronze vessels were built and decorated simply for the enjoyment of others (Sullivan 33). These bronze vessels were decorated with abstract colors and shapes, patterns that consisted of gold and silver, and even paintings of various Chinese social scenes. For example, there were paintings of men hunting, and even people conversing at banquets.

During early imperial China (221 BC-AD 220) the Terracotta Army had over 7,000 life-size terra cotta tomb figures of warriors and horses that were buried with the first emperor of Qin Shi Huang around 210 BC (Sowerby 35). Before being placed into the vault, these figures and horses were painted and decorated. Due to tremendous craftsmanship, these figures were made with different poses and different stances. These various poses consisted of charioteers with horses, standing infantry, and kneeling archers. During this time period the clarity and the precise craftsmanship of these pieces of artwork were unheard of. The Chinese also started to use porcelain to cement the vessels to seal pores. Porcelain is made from clay kaolin and petuntse (Sowerby 35). This element became very popular and high in-demand during this time period. China became one of the highest porcelain producers in the world.

During the ancient China time period, painting and calligraphy became two of the most popular and respected forms of art. Calligraphy was considered one of the grandest forms of art (Sullivan 56). By this time many Chinese artists used brush pens that were made out of animal hair, and black inks. Artists also began to used silk as well during this time period. After the arrival of Buddhism in China around 1st century AD, China's artistic presence became even more evident. This new religion caused Chinese artists to incorporate strong cultural ties within