How to Read Chinese Paintings (Metropolitan Museum of Art) [Paperback]

Maxwell K. Hearn (Author)

Book Description

Series: Metropolitan Museum of Art | Publication Date: August 1, 2008

The Chinese often use the expression du hua, “to read a painting,” in connection with their study and appreciation of such works. This volume closely “reads” thirty-six masterpieces of Chinese painting from the encyclopedic collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in order to reveal the major characteristics and themes of this rich pictorial tradition. The book examines multiple layers of meaning—style, technique, symbolism, past traditions, and the artist’s personal circumstances—through accessible texts and numerous large color details. A dynastic chronology, map, and list of further readings supplement the text.

 

Spanning a thousand years of Chinese art, these landscapes, flowers, birds, figures, religious subjects, and calligraphies illuminate the main goal of every Chinese artist: to capture not only the outer appearance of a subject but also its inner essence. 

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Maxwell K. Hearn is Douglas Dillon Curator, Department of Asian Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Metropolitan Museum of Art (August 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300141874
• ISBN-13: 978-0300141870
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #311,267 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good pictures, but don't expect to learn more about reading Chinese Paintings, November 1, 2008

By 

Lao Chuang (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Read Chinese Paintings (Metropolitan Museum of Art) (Paperback)

I bought the soft cover edition of the book. At $16.50 (after discount), I feel it's a good buy. The book is produced in a large format, and the paintings are reproduced superbly on good quality paper. There are 36 works (mostly paintings but also a few calligraphic scrolls) gleaned from The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The earliest work is by Han Gan (active 742-56) and the last by Gong Xian (1619-1689). Most of the artists are represented by a single scroll, with the exceptions of Ni Zan and Zhao Mengfu, who have two and three works on display respectively. The paintings and calligraphy are first presented in its full format, with subsequent reproductions of close-ups to show details.

The text, however, is disappointing. It's written mostly in a dry, academic style, and it hardly points the way to a deeper reading of the works of art. Most of the time it merely describes what's in the picture. Buy the book to feast on its sumptuously reproduced scrolls but look elsewhere to learn how to read Chinese paintings.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Delightful Book!, January 23, 2010

By 

J. Jones "Julia H. Jones" (Florida) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How to Read Chinese Paintings (Metropolitan Museum of Art) (Paperback)

This book really fills a gap for people like me who enjoy Chinese art but have not known what the symbolism is all about. While it is a strenuous read in some parts, it is enlightening.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb book; reasonable price, February 5, 2011

By 

D. Sharp - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How to Read Chinese Paintings (Metropolitan Museum of Art) (Paperback)

Just what I expected from its title. I've long loved Chinese paintings and now might understand them even more than just instinctively. Also, nice collection of paintings.