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Poetry and Painting in Song China
The Subtle Art of Dissent
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Poetry and Painting in Song China
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Ideal for readers interested in Chinese art, history, and political expression, particularly those fascinated by the subtle interplay between visual culture and governmental critique in imperial China.
During the Song dynasty (960–1278), some of China’s elite found an elegant and subtle means of dissent: landscape painting. By examining literary archetypes, painting titles, contemporary inscriptions, and the historical context, Murck shows that certain paintings expressed strong political opinions—some transparent, others deliberately concealed.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
Throughout the history of imperial China, the educated elite used various means to criticise government policies and actions. During the Song dynasty (960-1278), some members of this elite found an elegant and subtle means of dissent: landscape painting.
By examining literary archetypes, the titles of paintings, contemporary inscriptions, and the historical context, Alfreda Murck shows that certain paintings expressed strong political opinions—some transparent, others deliberately concealed. She argues that the coding of messages in seemingly innocuous paintings was an important factor in the growing respect for painting among the educated elite and that the capacity of painting's systems of reference to allow scholars to express dissent with impunity contributed to the art's vitality and longevity.
Poetry and Painting in Song China is an insightful exploration into how art, especially painting, served as a nuanced medium for political commentary and expression during this period.
Series: Harvard-Yenching Institute Monograph Series
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Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780674007826
Publisher: Harvard University, Asia Center
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 01 April 2002
Country: United States
Imprint: Harvard University, Asia Center
Illustration: 44 halftones, 2 maps
Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Width: 216.0mm
Height: 279.0mm
Weight: 1188g
Pages: 440
About the Author
Alfreda Murck is an independent scholar living in Beijing.
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