Books in the Introductions to Chinese Culture series

China enjoys a unique position in world history because of the great variety of bronze ware that has been unearthed on China's vast territory, providing a window into ancient Chinese culture. Chinese Bronze Ware introduces the reader to this magnificent bronze culture with vivid, accessible discussion and full color illustrations.

In this illustrated introduction, Xu Chengbei explains the make up, costumes, characters, staging, stories and music associated with Peking opera, and discusses the origins and development of this unique performance art. Peking Opera is an essential starting point for all those interested in this intriguing part of China's cultural heritage.

In this illustrated introduction Liu Tong provides a fascinating insight into the ancient culture of Chinese tea, the trade, tradition, literature, philosophy and ceremony associated with drinking tea in China and its popularisation around the world.

This accessible, illustrated introduction takes the reader through the rich Chinese literary tradition from ancient times to the twentieth century, exploring poetry, drama, opera, novels, short stories, the modern media and the authors who created these cultural treasures.

Zhao Wenbing provides an accessible, illustrated introduction to the sculptural art of China, including the magnificent Terracotta Army, Buddhist sculpture, tomb carvings, architectural sculpture, exchange with foreign cultures and Chinese sculpture today.

This illustrated introduction explores the characteristics of different philosophers in Chinese history. Employing Western philosophical categories to describe significant issues, Wen Haiming considers Chinese political philosophy in the pre-Qin era, Chinese metaphysics from Han to Tang dynasties, Chinese epistemology from Song to Ming dynasties and modern Chinese-Western comparative philosophy.

As the birthplace of moveable-type printing, China has some claim to being the homeland of publishing. Yang Hu and Xiao Yang provide a comprehensive introduction to the origins and development of printing and publication in China from ancient to modern times, complemented throughout with full colour illustrations.

Wushu, the Chinese martial art form known as kung fu in the West, embodies traditional Chinese culture. In this illustrated introduction Wang Guangxi discusses the development of this captivating branch of Chinese culture from ancient times to the present day, including its representation in literature and film.

Han Jiantang provides an accessible, illustrated introduction to the fascinating history and development of the written Chinese language, from pictograms painted on rocks and pottery and ancient inscriptions to the refined art of calligraphy and the characters in use today.

Chinese arts and crafts enjoy a unique reputation in the history of material culture and civilization. In this illustrated introduction Hang Jian and Guo Qiuhui discuss the colorful history and development of distinctive Chinese crafts, including ceramics, furniture, clothing and decorative arts.

Many colorful theatrical activities can be found throughout China. The most unique of these is traditional Chinese opera, but, since the early twentieth century, drama without music has also become popular in China. This illustrated introduction explores the origins and development of Chinese theater from ancient to modern times.

Some of the most important inventions in the history of human civilization originated in China - not least the compass, gunpowder, paper and printing. Ancient Chinese Inventions provides an accessible, illustrated introduction to the many inventions to which China can lay claim.

Unique in style and with a history of some 8000 years, Chinese music represents a fascinating part of China's cultural heritage. This accessible, illustrated introduction explores the history of China's musical instruments, the diversity of Chinese folk music, the development of Chinese operas and their influence around the world.

A great number of objects and artifacts have been preserved on China's vast territory, many of which are now on display in museums across China. This illustrated introduction provides a guide to China's numerous museum collections, and will inspire future visitors and all those with an interest in Chinese history.

This illustrated introduction to the history of Chinese clothing takes the reader through traditional Chinese costumes, ornamentation and ceremonial wear, discusses the importance of silk and the diverse costumes of China's ethnic groups before considering modern trends and China's place in the fashion world today.

China is renowned for its enchanting, tranquil gardens, designed to reflect both the charm of nature and the ancient Chinese view of life. Chinese Gardens explores the creation of classical gardens through history, discussing the theories and artistic conception behind these gardens and the development of diverse regional styles.

This illustrated introduction to Chinese wine explores the history of wine production in China, the legends and customs that surround it and its place in China today.

Throughout China's long history ceramic products have been very much a part of people's lives. This book takes the reader through the rich history of Chinese ceramics, from primitive pottery to the delicate porcelain for which China is famed, complemented by full color illustrations throughout.

Unique in style, Chinese furniture has long been celebrated for its elegant, artistic lines and strong, durable structure. This book provides an illustrated introduction to the history, production techniques and rich variety of Chinese furniture, revealing the important part that this furniture has played in the development of China's culture.

The art of calligraphy is seen as the epitome of Chinese culture. This book provides an accessible, illustrated introduction to calligraphy from the beginning of the Chinese written language, the methods used by calligraphers through the ages and the influence that calligraphy has had on modern art around the world.

Ancient Chinese architecture is not only a source of reference for modern Chinese design; it has also attracted significant global attention. Moreover, architectural remains in China reveal much about the history of this ancient civilisation. Chinese Architecture provides an accessible, illustrated introduction to this essential part of China's cultural heritage.

The Chinese people have honoured, revered and cherished jade for over 8,000 years. Utilising a wealth of archaeological evidence and illustrated with precious cultural artifacts, Chinese Jade provides an introduction to the fascinating world of Chinese jade from ancient to modern times.

This illustrated gastronomic tour traces the development of the unique food and drink culture found in China from ancient to modern times. Liu Junru explores the traditions surrounding cooking and eating in China, distinctive regional variations, the development of advanced culinary techniques and new dining trends.

Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the most renowned and most controversial scientific achievements of ancient Chinese civilisation. Liao Yuqun provides a comprehensive, illustrated introduction to the history and theory of traditional Chinese medicine, exploring classical medical texts, diagnostic methods, the use of medical herbs and techniques such as acupuncture.

In this illustrated introduction Shan Deqi explores a representative selection of traditional Chinese dwellings, considering their architecture, environmental setting and the lifestyles and customs of the people who inhabit these distinctive homes and have contributed to their development.

From ancient scroll paintings to Buddhist grottoes to modern art, Lin Ci explores the history, theory and development of distinctive styles of Chinese painting, illustrated throughout with full color examples of these unique, treasured works of art.

Chinese festivals are deeply rooted in popular tradition and despite China's many changes they remain firmly established as part of the country's vibrant culture. Chinese Festivals introduces a representative selection of these celebrated traditions with full color illustrations, providing a flavor of the diversity of modern and traditional Chinese culture.

Chinese folk arts originate in the rural areas of China's vast territory. As forms of communal art, folk arts are evident in everyday food, clothing and shelter, and in traditional festivals, rituals and ceremonies across China. Chinese Folk Arts provides an illustrated introduction to this colourful part of Chinese culture.

China's Cultural Relics provides an illustrated introduction to artifacts from different periods of Chinese history, and the collection and preservation of these precious relics in modern times. Covering a wide range of topics representative of Chinese culture, including pottery, porcelain, jade and bronze, Li provides a glimpse into ancient China.