Describes historical, legendary, and supernatural persons, animals, and objects that recur as symbols in Oriental art and literature

"The Eight Immortals, the five elements, the dragon and the phoenix, yin and yang -- representations of these important cultural symbols are pervasive in Chinese art and architecture. Indeed, without an understanding of their significance, much Asian art cannot be fully appreciated." "In this comprehensive handbook, C.A.S. Williams offers concise explanations of these essential symbols and motifs. The book is an unabridged reprint of the third edition of Outlines of Chinese Symbolism and Art Motives, published in Shanghai in 1941, a work that has become a standard reference volume for students of China and Chinese culture." "Arranged alphabetically for easy access, the book not only explains essential cultural symbols, but also contains many articles on Chinese beliefs, customs, arts and crafts, food, agriculture, and medicine." "For those China-bound, Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifs is an indispensable guide to the Middle Kingdom's artistic and architectural wonders. For the general reader, it is an essential compendium of sinological lore. Book jacket."--Jacket.

Written with reader accessibility in mind, this comprehensive handbook of symbolism in Chinese art and culture will be an invaluable resource for any student of Eastern art history, Chinese arts and crafts, and anyone interested in commonly held Chinese beliefs and their origins. In Chinese Symbolism & Art Motifs Fourth Edition, scholar C.A.S. Williams offers concise explanations of the essential symbols and motifs relevant to Chinese literature, arts & crafts, and architecture. This reference book has been a standard among students of Chinese culture and history since 1941 and, in its Fourth Edition, has been completely reset with Pinyin pronunciation of Chinese names and words. Organized alphabetically, enhanced by over 400 illustrations, and clearly written for accessibility across a variety of fields, this book not only explains symbols and motifs essential to any designer, art collector, or historian, but delves into ancient customs in religion, food, agriculture, and medicine. Some of the symbols and motifs explicated are: The Eight Immortals The Five Elements The Dragon The Phoenix Yin and Yang With Chinese Symbolism & Art Motifs, you can access hidden insights into the intentions behind works of Chinese craftsmanship, and the thorough explanations of each symbol accompanied by the historical origins from which they arose. It will complement your existing knowledge of any area of Chinese culture, or help you confidently explore new topics within the realm of Asian art and history.

This fourth revised edition of Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifs, first published in Shanghai in 1941, features an introduction by Dr. Terence Barrow, has been completely reset and now uses the Pinyin pronunciation of Chinese names and words. The Eight Immortals, the five elements, the dragon and the phoenix, yin and yang—representations of these important cultural symbols are pervasive in Chinese literature, art and architecture. Without an understanding of their significance, much Chinese history, folklore and culture can't be fully appreciated. In this comprehensive handbook, C.A.S. Williams offers concise explanations—and over 400 illustrations—of these essential symbols and motifs. Arranged alphabetically for easy access, the book not only explains essential cultural symbols, accompanied by their Chinese characters, but also contains many articles on Chinese beliefs, customs, arts and crafts, food, agriculture, and medicine. This book has become a standard reference volume for students of China and Chinese culture. For those who are visiting China, Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifs is an indispensable guide to the Middle Kingdom's artistic and architectural wonders. For the general reader, it is a valuable compendium of fascinating sinological lore.

Presents an annotated bibliography of general and subject reference books covering the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, history, science, technology, and medicine.