Includes bibliographical references and index.

"The Chinese Art Book examines the art of the oldest continuous civilisation on earth. Full of surprises for the reader new to Chinese art as well as for specialists, its unique arrangement breaks new ground by pairing works that speak to one another in unexpected historical, stylistic and cultural ways. Visually exciting pages allow each object to stand alone and at the same time to be viewed in conjunction with a carefully selected companion, producing illuminating and often inspiring pairings. The dialogue between each couple invites meanings that often go far beyond those of the individual works. Every form of Chinese visual art is featured - painting, calligraphy, sculpture, ceramics, figurines, jades, bronzes, gold and silver, photography, video, installation and performance art. The works date from Neolithic cultures of the fourth millennium BC to the most recent contemporary art being produced in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the West"--Dust jacket.