China's Crafts: The Story of How They're Made and What They Mean

This book, first published in 1981, provides a comprehensive appraisal of Chinese crafts, revealing their ancient origins and offering insights into modern crafts in light of past achievements.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book, first published in 1981, offers a comprehensive appraisal of China's crafts. Its historical approach and numerous illustrations not only reveal the ancient origins of many of China's arts but also provide the means for evaluating modern crafts in light of past achievements.

The author's extensive research and expertise in the field of Chinese crafts are evident throughout the book, which is divided into several chapters covering various aspects of the craft. Each chapter includes detailed descriptions of the techniques and materials used in the production of different crafts, as well as examples of their historical and cultural significance.

The book's numerous illustrations, which include photographs, drawings, and diagrams, further enhance the reader's understanding of the craft. These illustrations not only showcase the beauty and intricacy of the crafts but also provide a visual reference for the techniques and materials discussed in the text.

One of the book's most valuable features is its historical approach. The author takes the reader on a journey through centuries of Chinese craft history, from the earliest pottery and porcelain to the most recent glass and metalwork. By examining the evolution of craft techniques and materials over time, the author helps the reader to appreciate the rich and diverse heritage of Chinese crafts.

In addition to its historical significance, the book also offers practical insights into the evaluation of modern crafts. The author discusses the criteria used to assess the quality and authenticity of different crafts, as well as the challenges faced by contemporary craftspeople in preserving and promoting their traditions.

Overall, this book is an essential resource for anyone interested in Chinese crafts. Its comprehensive coverage of the field, combined with its detailed illustrations and historical approach, makes it an invaluable tool for students, scholars, and enthusiasts alike. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced craftsperson, this book will provide you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich and diverse heritage of Chinese crafts.

Introduction:

This book, first published in 1981, offers a comprehensive appraisal of China's crafts. Its historical approach and numerous illustrations not only reveal the ancient origins of many of China's arts, but also offer the means for evaluating modern crafts in light of past achievements.

The author's extensive research and expertise in the field of Chinese crafts are evident throughout the book, which is divided into several chapters covering various aspects of the craft. Each chapter includes detailed descriptions of the techniques and materials used in the production of different crafts, as well as examples of their historical and cultural significance.

The book's numerous illustrations, which include photographs, drawings, and diagrams, further enhance the reader's understanding of the craft. These illustrations not only showcase the beauty and intricacy of the crafts but also provide a visual reference for the techniques and materials discussed in the text.

One of the book's most valuable features is its historical approach. The author takes the reader on a journey through centuries of Chinese craft history, from the earliest pottery and porcelain to the most recent glass and metalwork. By examining the evolution of craft techniques and materials over time, the author helps the reader to appreciate the rich and diverse heritage of Chinese crafts.

In addition to its historical significance, the book also offers practical insights into the evaluation of modern crafts. The author discusses the criteria used to assess the quality and authenticity of different crafts, as well as the challenges faced by contemporary craftspeople in preserving and promoting their traditions.

Overall, this book is an essential resource for anyone interested in Chinese crafts. Its comprehensive coverage of the field, combined with its detailed illustrations and historical approach, makes it an invaluable tool for students, scholars, and enthusiasts alike. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced craftsperson, this book will provide you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich and diverse heritage of Chinese crafts.

Chapter 1: Historical Overview of Chinese Crafts:

In this chapter, the author provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Chinese crafts. The book begins by tracing the origins of Chinese crafts back to ancient times, when the first pottery and porcelain were produced. The author then discusses the development of different craft techniques and materials over the centuries, including the use of silk, paper, wood, and metal.

The author also highlights the cultural and social significance of Chinese crafts throughout history. Crafts were not only used for practical purposes but also as a means of expressing artistic creativity and cultural identity. For example, the Chinese tea ceremony was closely associated with the production of fine porcelain, while the Chinese scroll painting was used to convey religious and philosophical messages.

The chapter concludes by discussing the impact of Western influence on Chinese crafts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While Western techniques and materials were introduced to China, many traditional craftspeople continued to produce their wares using traditional methods. However, the introduction of mass production and the rise of modern consumer culture also had a significant impact on Chinese crafts, leading to the decline of some traditional crafts and the emergence of new forms of craft production.

Chapter 2: Techniques and Materials Used in Chinese Crafts:

In this chapter, the author discusses the techniques and materials used in the production of different Chinese crafts. The book begins by examining the techniques used in pottery and porcelain production, including the use of clay, glaze, and firing techniques. The author then discusses the techniques used in silk weaving, including the use of silkworms, cocoons, and dyeing processes.

The author also discusses the techniques used in wood carving, including the use of different types of wood and carving tools. The chapter concludes by discussing the techniques used in metalwork, including the use of gold, silver, bronze, and other metals.

Each chapter includes detailed descriptions of the techniques and materials used in the production of different crafts, as well as examples of their historical and cultural significance. The author also provides tips and advice for beginners on how to get started in producing different crafts.

Chapter 3: Historical and Cultural Significance of Chinese Crafts:

In this chapter, the author discusses the historical and cultural significance of different Chinese crafts. The book begins by examining the historical and cultural context in which different crafts were produced. The author then discusses the symbolic meanings.

The author also highlights the role of different crafts in different social and cultural contexts, including religious ceremonies, weddings, and funerals. For example, the Chinese dragon is a symbol of power and good fortune, and is often used in the production of porcelain and other crafts. The Chinese knot is a symbol of love and loyalty, and is often used in the production of jewelry and other crafts.

The chapter concludes by discussing the challenges faced by contemporary craftspeople in preserving and promoting their traditions. The author discusses the importance of education and training in preserving traditional craft skills, as well as the need for government support and incentives to promote the production and sale of traditional crafts.

Chapter 4: Evaluation of Modern Crafts in Light of Past Achievements:

In this chapter, the author discusses the criteria used to evaluate the quality and authenticity of different crafts. The book begins by examining the criteria used in assessing the historical and cultural significance of different crafts. The author then discusses the criteria used in assessing the technical and artistic quality of different crafts.

The author also discusses the challenges faced by contemporary craftspeople in preserving and promoting their traditions while adapting to modern consumer culture. The author provides tips and advice for contemporary craftspeople on how to balance the preservation of traditional craft skills with the demands of modern consumer culture.

The chapter concludes by discussing the future of Chinese crafts. The author discusses the potential for the development of new forms of craft production and the importance of promoting the appreciation and understanding of Chinese crafts in the global community.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive appraisal of China's crafts. Its historical approach and numerous illustrations not only reveal the ancient origins of many of China's arts, but also provide the means for evaluating modern crafts in light of past achievements. The author's extensive research and expertise in the field of Chinese crafts are evident throughout the book, which is divided into several chapters covering various aspects of the craft. Each chapter includes detailed descriptions of the techniques and materials used in the production of different crafts, as well as examples of their historical and cultural significance.

The book's numerous illustrations, which include photographs, drawings, and diagrams, further enhance the reader's understanding of the craft. These illustrations not only showcase the beauty and intricacy of the crafts but also provide a visual reference for the techniques and materials discussed in the text.

In addition to its historical significance, the book also offers practical insights into the evaluation of modern crafts. The author discusses the criteria used to assess the quality and authenticity of different crafts, as well as the challenges faced by contemporary craftspeople in preserving and promoting their traditions.

Overall, this book is an essential resource for anyone interested in Chinese crafts. Its comprehensive coverage of the field, combined with its detailed illustrations and historical approach, makes it an invaluable tool for students, scholars, and enthusiasts alike. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced craftsperson, this book will provide you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich and diverse heritage of Chinese crafts.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367773694