...The Shang dynasty, also known as Yin, was in power approximately from the years 1765 - 1027 B.C. According to the Chinese, the start of the Shang dynasty began when Tang, a man of great virtue and wisdom, overthrew the decadent emperor Kie. Kie was known to be the last man in the Hsia dynasty. The Shang Dynasty was the second hereditary dynasty in China. It lasted almost six hundred years with thirty-one kings and seventeen generations. The Shang used to be an old tribe that lived in the lower reach of the Yellow River. A very important part about the shang dynasty is their artifacts. The artifacts that go along with the history tell a story, and it is very close to their religions. One of their designs, have been in their dynasty for as long as it could be. The t’ao design, also known as that taotie design, is a historic piece of their spiritual virtues. The taotie characteristically consists of a zoomorphic mask in full face that may be divided, through the nose ridge at the center, into profile views of two one-legged beasts, or dragons, confronting each other. A ground pattern of squared spirals, the “thunder pattern” often serves as a design filler between and around the larger features of the design. The Shang taotie is a very popular design. Another culture that has very popular designs is the Pueblo Indian. Their pottery has made use of the market for ethnic art to express their artistic, religious and economic values. One remarkable thing about the interactions between...
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...Thesis Statement: “ [N]o supremely happy man can ever become miserable…” (I.10, 1100b.30) This above statement is from the chapter in which Aristotle discusses “Can a man be called ‘happy’ during his lifetime?”. From the micro perspective, the whole chapter is about whether happiness should be defined as permanent or momentary. Starting with Solon’s words and opposed examples illustrated by Aristotle, Aristotle leads us to deeply develop the definition and understanding of happiness. In his opinion, “happiness has permanence and is not amenable to changes under any circumstances”. Another element, for instance, fortune has the power to influence one’s happiness and revolve many times in one’s lifetime; however, Aristotle shows fortune is not determinant for happiness and merely an accessory of human life. Furthermore, “the happy man will have the attribute of permanence, and he will remain happy throughout his life” because the happy man will choose to do activities in conformity with virtue. Aristotle concludes that “the activities determine a man’s life, no supremely happy man can ever become miserable, for he will never do what is hateful and base”. Based on the true meaning of happiness, Aristotle advocates that it is the activities that matter rather than the outcomes. Further analyzing the statement of “No supremely happy man can ever become miserable” from the macro perspective should be focused on three key words in the statement. First of all is the “happy”, which...
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...literate cultures of the time. During the Neolithic age, people used tools made of stone. For the Bronze Age, this was a beginning of flourishing metals and developing techniques. It’s not clear where the producing and crafting of metals began in China. The idea of early bronze working developed freely out of outside influences. The era of the Shang and the Zhou dynasties was known as the Bronze Age of China, for bronze was used to craft weapon, parts of chariots, and ritual vessels, each played a role in the material culture. After the use of bronze, Iron came toward the end of the period, during the Eastern Zhou dynasty. Along with the many culture uses of bronze, there were also...
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...Shang rulers attached great importance to agriculture. Fishing began to grow as an industry as the people fished in the fresh waters. In the handicraft industry, the work was subtly allotted to many different workers and crafts were made in large quantities and varieties, showcasing the different techniques used during this time. The bronze wares in particular reached a high level of artistry that signified the Shang's advanced civilizationnasty. The most famous bronze work from this time is the Simuwu Quadripod, weighing 832.84 kg (about 1836 pounds) it is the largest and heaviest Chinese bronze vessel. Porcelain wares were also invented during this time, the jade carving techniques were of the highest quality and the woven silk fabrics displayed...
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...6 Appreciation of Chinese Art and Design - Symmetry in Chinese Art and Design Symmetry has been widely used in various contexts. In traditional Chinese art and design, the concept of symmetry is one of the most important aesthetic principles. Symmetrical beauty is derived from nature, i.e., law of nature in Taoism. The human body and almost all animals are symmetric, which shows a beauty of health and balance. Rather asymmetry leaves people an impression of displeasure. Symmetry is also the manifestation of Chinese philosophy of harmony and zhongyong (the Mean thought) in Confucianism. The aesthetic principle of symmetry in Chinese art is similar to the “Golden Rule” in the West, the aim of which is to achieve balance. This essay aims to discuss the aesthetic principle of symmetry used in Traditional Chinese Art and Design, including ancient Chinese Bronze artwork, ancient Chinese architecture and Chinese paper cutting. I. Symmetry in Ancient Chinese Bronze artwork Bronzes basically can be classified into four types in terms of function: food vessels, wine vessels, water vessels and musical instruments. Various shapes and designs can be found in each type, fully demonstrating the creativity and skills of the ancient people. Despite of this, symmetry was used as a universal basic aesthetic principle. Ancient Chinese bronzes stressed balance and symmetry of form, and communicated solemnity and ceremony. Among the various kinds of bronze vessels, ding is a significant...
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...How did the Shang Dynasty in China differ from their ancestors? They developed a common written language which made it easier to communicate vast distances and gave the ability to reference old texts of knowledge. They also large armies equipped with bronze weaponry to take out lesser tribes. Who were the most powerful Zhou rulers and what changes did they bring to Chinese society? The three Zhou kings; King Wen who expanded territory, King Wu who toppled the Shang dynasty, The Duke of Zhou who is King Wu's brother and heir. They changed politics towards a decentralized fuedal system. In which, they sent trusted relatives and subordinates to take on roles of religious, administrative, and military on their behalf. What changes did the Warring States Period bring to China? New military technology and tactics. Such as the mechanical crossbow which was more effective than a horseman archer. They had developed organized infantry working with calvery. They changed military generals that were born aristocrats. Eventually using tactics that would either look for advantages or disadvantages of both armies. What type of cities made up the Harappan civilization? The Harappan Civilization was first discovered in 1921 in the Indus Valley in present day Pakistan and India. Which showed signs of early literature. It had jewelers capable of making gold jewelry. They made bricks to a standard. Along with an advanced sewage system for their homes and structural height up to three stories...
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...1 ANCIENT CHINA 1 Introduction and General Remarks for Ancient China Ancient civilizations of the Egyptians and Mesopotamians have long disappeared, but Ancient Chinese civilization and its transformation to modern times has lasted as the largest and most enduring one in human history. This is even more remarkable when observing the numerous leitmotifs of the Chinese society that were inaugurated so long ago, and many of these themes still resonate today. Ancestral worship, the Mandate of Heaven, and the numerous philosophical ideas, especially of Confucius, have been practiced or used for thousands of years. Remote and mysterious are two adjectives that Western Society has applied to China until recently. China is the only civilization where western thought had no influence until modern times, and also practically the only large region in the world where western men never ruled. For westerners, Chinese customs seem reversed to theirs. White is the color of mourning for the Chinese not black, and for them the left side is one of honor not the right side. Writing is read vertically from the top right-hand corner downward. These few differences reveal that Chinese culture evolved independently of western influences. One can only marvel at the longevity of Chinese civilization. Influence of Geography 2 Geography has played an important role in Chinese History as in most ancient, medieval, and modern cultures. While 85% of China is arid or inaccessible steppes...
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...ancient dynasties of China include Shang dynasty, Western Zhou dynasty and Eastern Zhou dynasty. The Shang dynasty emerged in 1766 BC and disappeared when the Western Zhou dynasty defeated the last king of the Shang dynasty in 1122 BC (Pines, p. 12). The Eastern Zhou dynasty emerged in 771 BC, which underwent two traditional phases known as ‘Warring States’ and ‘Spring and Autumn’. Ancient China had a well-developed agricultural and irrigation system and was home to several plant and animal species. The most important of all is the period of Confucianism in which Confucius transformed the Chinese by formulating the ethics of public and family interactions (Pines, p. 17). He also set educational standards in the ancient Chinese empire by focusing on the six art forms of archery, computation, calligraphy, music, ritual and chariot-driving (Pines, p. 27). Confucianism became the most important influential philosophy during the reign of Han, Song and Tang dynasties. Chinese calligraphy and literature became the most renowned written language across the world. The rich tradition of the country is visible in its dramatic visual arts. Chinese drama, including music became a significant literary form and was mostly a derivation from the philosophical works of Confucius, which continues even today (Pines, p. 185). Ancient Chinese produced novels and poetry at a very early period. Chinese opera has become one of the prominent cultural and artistic mediums of the country. The Han dynasty, followed...
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...Asia Government of Qin Dynasty The economy during the Qin Dynasty was one of the most successful in Eastern Asia’s history. The success of the government during this time period can be partially devoted to Shang Yang. Shang Yang, with help from King Xiao of Qin, enacted reforms that led to a stronger government. Shang Yang was arguably the most famous legalist reformer in East Asia history. The reforms that he enacted arranged the foundation for Qin unification of China. Shang Yang convinced King Xiao to rule by military force. The reforms were made through the use of military force that corresponded with Yang’s Legalist ideas. His reforms enabled Qin to become one of the most powerful states in the Warring States Period. * The first reform abolished Qin’s old square system and recognized the private ownership of land. (write about the old square system). Shang Yang also introduced taxes and levies. After private ownership of land was adopted, taxes were imposed according to the quantity and quality of land. This also allowed people to buy and sell land. The second proposed reform replaced the territorial and hereditary system with the System of Prefectures and Counties to Reinforce the Centralization of State Power. Yang established the system of prefecture and county by re-dividing the state into administrative regions and combining the small villages into counties administered by county magistrates and their assistants. * The third reform Shang Yang proposed to the state...
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...1766BCE to the twentieth century of the Common Era, China was ruled by dynasties. A dynasty is a family that passes control from one generation to the next. A dynasty does not have to last for a long time. One Chinese dynasty lasted more than 800 years while another lasted only fifteen years. The ancient Chinese believed their ancestors in heaven had chosen their leaders. They called this the Mandate of Heaven. The Chinese people often rebelled against a weak leader if they believed he had lost the Mandate of Heaven. There are indications of an earlier Hsia Dynasty, but the Shang were the first dynasty to leave written records. The Shang also developed a lunar calendar consisting of twelve months of 30 days each. The Shang Dynasty ruled China from approximately 1766BCE to about 1040BCE. Shang rulers expanded the borders of their kingdom to include all of the land between Mongolia and the Pacific Ocean. The Shang practiced human sacrifice. If a Shang king died, many of his subjects would join the ruler in his grave. Some people were beheaded first but others were buried alive. When a Shang king died, his next oldest brother replaced him. When there were no brothers, the ruler’s oldest maternal nephew became king. A maternal nephew would be a child of one of the deceased king’s cousins – that is, a son of his mother’s siblings. The Chou were initially nomads who lived west of the Shang. They overthrew the Shang and ruled China from 1040BCE to the third century before the Common...
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...and warfare, the state of Qin was the one who concluded the period with the wars of conquest, annexing other contender states through exceptionally cruel administration. On the background of the rise of Qin existed the two most eminent administrators, Lord Shang and Han Fei zi, whose philosophies are demonstrated as Legalism. The Legalists emphasized an establishment of effective institutional structures based on impersonal and objective norms and standards: “laws, administrative regulations, clearly defined rules of promotion and demotion, and the like” (Watkins). Through the strict legislation, the Legalists “sought to attain a ‘rich [and empowered] state with powerful army’” (Pines). Adopting their philosophies and practicing them through reformation, the Qin administration could conquer its competitors; we can recognize the influence of Legalism on the state administration by analyzing the laws of Qin before the empire and comparing them to the philosophies of the two prominent Legalists. During the regime of Duke Xiao, the state of Qin went through a series of reforms successfully conducted by Lord Shang, and the characteristics of the reformation are well reflected on the laws of the state. First and foremost, Lord Shang emphasized on a powerful government with a centralized power and strict authorities. As he believed that powerful subordinates hinder the superior or the ruler from establishing strong government, he endorsed reducing the power of dominant families by “reorganizing...
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...parts of China have become worldwide attractions due to historical richness. The Dynasties of China covered in this chapter will be: Shang (1600 – 1050 BCE), Zhou (1046 – 256 BCE), Warring States Period (475 – 221 BCE), Qin (221 – 206 BCE) Han (206 BCE – 220 CE). Henan Museum, Zheng Zhou Yellow River Valley (Shang) Today, Zheng Zhou is the provincial capital of the Henan Province and is a fast growing city that is one of the centers of technology and politics in China. Lying on the southern bank of the Yellow River (Huang He) Zheng Zhou is home to many beautiful pagodas, Shaolin Temples, and amazing sceneries. Though a bustling megacity today, Zheng Zhou has been an integral part of since the Shang Dynasty of China starting in 1600 BCE. During the Bronze Age, the huge country we call China today had hardly developed. At the time, people understood very little so the base of Chinese culture known as Di (or god) was created. Di gave the Shang people a sense of predictability and understanding of the world. For example, they used Di to predict whether a harvest was to be good or bad. The Shang people communicated with Di through Oracle Bones and Pyromancy. Ritual specialists would use fire to strike a special oracle bone. The grains in the bone would crack in a certain direction and the Shang people would take that as a sign their ancestors, who could better communicate with Di. The Shang people believed that they were unable to contact Di directly. However, as ancestors...
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...Brief History of China Prehistory Mythical Era Ancient Era Imperial Era Modern Era Introduction Chinese civilization originated in various city-states along the Yellow River Valley in the Neolithic era A history of 4700 years since Yellow Emperor during the period of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors; the written history of China begins with Shang Dynasty 3600 years ago when turtle shells with ancient Chinese writing were carbon dated in 1500BC Prehistory Peking Man Paleolithic – – – – China was inhabited by Homo erectus more than 1 million years ago The archaeological site of Xihoudu site in Shanxi Province is the earliest recorded of use of fire by Homo erectus 1.27 million years ago The excavations at Yuanmou and later Lantian show early habitation The most specimen of Homo erectus found in China is the so-called Peking Man discovered in 1965 Prehistory (cont.) Neolithic – – – – – – Stone Tools The Neolithic age traced back to 10,000 BC Early evidence for proto-Chinese millet agriculture is carbon-dated to about 7,000 BC Population was increased due to agriculture, the ability to store and redistribute crops and to support specialist craftsmen and administrators In late Neolithic times, the Yellow River valley began to establish itself as a culture center, and the first villages were founded Early history of China is complicated by the lack of a written language during this period At Damaidi site in Ningxia...
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...China is one of the oldest civilizations,dating back thousand of years with continuous history. The first period in ancient China was the neolithic period followed by the Xia Dynasty, the Shang Dynasty, the Zhou Dynasty and the Western Zhou. The Yangtze River considered to be the cradle of Chinese civilization. Ancient historical text have provided some proof of the possible existence of the Xia Dynasty that existed even before the Shang Dynasty of 1700-1046 B.C. The last time period considered to be included in the Ancient China time period was the Eastern Zhou. Imperial China followed Ancient China beginning with the Qin Dynasty. The Xia Dynasty ruled from the 21st to the 17th century B.C. The Shang Dynasty ruled from the 17th century to 1046 B.C. They ruled a lot of the area along the Yellow River. It’s founder w2as Tang. The Zhou ruled from 1046 to 256 B.C. This was the longest ruling dynasty in China’s history. The Western Zhou, the first part of the Zhou Dynasty ruled from 1046 to 771 B.C. Its founder was King Wu. The eastern Zhou, the second of the Zhou Dynasty ruled from 770 to 256 B.C. The Peking Man that was discovered in 1923 is the most famous Homo erectus specimen of Paleolithic man in Ancient China. By Shang times, the Chinese had developed complex religious beliefs many of which continued to be practiced for...
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...There are many unique aspects in the first Chinese dynasties. These unique aspects include their use of bronze, the belief in dangerous spirits, and the record keeping of the first dynasties. An example of a unique feature of the first Chinese dynasties is the fact that the ancient Chinese people recorded history through dynasties. The earliest writing from China was from the Shang Dynasty. During this time, the Shang Dynasty was creating pottery that had engravings of a pictographic writing system. This system was used by priests to tell the future. The priest also engraved the questions they had on turtle shells and animals using sharp tools. The writing on the animal bones and turtle shells developed into the Chinese people’s current written language. The style in which they used to crave the symbols is now known as...
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