Chapter III Chinese 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 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.
Chinese Bronze Age : Shang or Yi Dynasty (1766 BC - 1122 BC) The Shang Dynasty (Chinese: 商朝) 殷代) 商朝 or Yin Dynasty (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.
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 pinyin: Chūn qiū shí dài) and Warring States Period (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 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
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. K’ung Fu Tzu
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 thought 1.1 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.Governance 3. 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 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 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"
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 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. 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
Painting from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD)
Taoism and Painting
Taoism and Painting
Taoism and Painting
Taoism and Painting
Taoism and Painting
Taoism and Painting
Taoism and Painting
The Six Canons of Chinese Brush Painting
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.
The Six Canons The of Chinese Brush Painting Six Canons of Chinese Brush Painting 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 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 The of Chinese Brush Painting Six Canons of Chinese Brush Painting
The Six Canons The of Chinese Brush Painting Six Canons of Chinese Brush Painting
The Six Canons The of Chinese Brush Painting Six Canons of Chinese Brush Painting
The Six Canons The of Chinese Brush Painting Six Canons of Chinese Brush Painting
The Six Canons The of Chinese Brush Painting Six Canons of Chinese Brush Painting
The Six Canons The of Chinese Brush Painting Six Canons of Chinese Brush Painting
Imprial Period 221 BC.
Qin Dynasty The Qin Dynasty (Chinese: 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 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 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 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 (259 BC – 210 BC), personal name Ying Zheng (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 after 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 Si Li 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 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 Si Li Si was also the author of the Cangjie Pian (仓颉篇 仓颉篇/倉頡篇 仓颉篇 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
The Construction of The First Version of Great Wall of China
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 "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' 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
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, 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 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 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 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 A 7th century Tang Dynasty era painting the widow of Yuan Shao's son Yuan Xi, Lady Zhen, as a of Cao Pi and ministers at his side, by consort, although eventually she lost his favor and was Yan Liben (600-673) forced to commit suicide. After he became emperor, his other favorite, Guo Nßwang, became empress.
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, 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 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.
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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 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.
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The Kingdom of Shu or Shu Han (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 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 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 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
“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 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 Generals The 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 - Zhang Fei - Zhao Yun - Ma Chao - Huang Zhong
Guan Yu
Guan Yu captures Pang De, a Ming Dynasty painting by Shang Xi, c. 1430
(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 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.
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 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 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 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) region of China. During its existence, its capital was at Jianye (建業; 建業 present-day Nanjing, Jiangsu), but at times it was also at Wuchang (武昌; presentday 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 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 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) 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 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; 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, 265–316) and the second Eastern Jin (ch: 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 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, 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; 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.
A scene of two horseback riders from a wall painting in the tomb of Lou Rui at Taiyuan, Shanxi.
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.
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.
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; 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.
Yungang Grottoes 471-494
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.
Yungang Grottoes 471-494
Yungang Grottoes 471-494
Yungang Grottoes 471-494
Yungang Grottoes 471-494
Yungang Grottoes 471-494
Longmen Grottoes
Longmen Grottoes
Grottoes
Mogao Grottoes
Mogao Grottoes
Mogao Grottoes
Mogao Grottoes
Mogao Grottoes