Chinese art: Cross-Cultural Influences in Modern Times

Western influence on Chinese art has been evident since the late 17th cent., but was not of major significance until comparatively recent times. The 19th cent. produced no major Chinese masters but many competent traditionalists. Early 20th-century artists copied Western styles without real comprehension, and attempts to combine them with Chinese subject matter were largely unsuccessful. The influence of Chinese art upon other cultures has been profound. It has extended to the Muslim countries and, since the 14th cent., has affected the art of Western Europe as well.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Art under Communism
• Cross-Cultural Influences in Modern Times
• Calligraphy and the Minor Arts
• Chinese Painting since the Fifth Century
• Buddhist Art
• The Early Dynasties: Ritual Bronzes
• Early Periods
• Bibliography

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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