Imperial China
Imperial China is divided into two periods beginning with early
imperial China that spans the Qin Dynasty (221–207 BC) through the
Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) and later imperial China from the Song
Dynasty (AD 960–1279) through the Qing Dynasty (AD 1644–1911).
Imperial Chinese history is marked by the rise and fall of many
dynasties and occasional periods of disunity, but overall the age
was remarkably stable and marked by a sophisticated governing
system that included the concept of a meritocracy. Each dynasty had
its own distinct characteristics and in many eras encounters with
foreign cultural and political influences through territorial
expansion and waves of immigration also brought new stimulus to
China. China was a highly literate society that greatly valued
poetry and brush-written calligraphy, which along with painting,
were called the Three Perfections, reflecting the esteemed position
of the arts in Chinese life.
Imperial China produced many technological advancements that
have enriched the world, including paper and porcelain.
Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism were the dominate teachings or
religions in Imperial China and most individuals combined all three
in their daily lives. Each of these teachings is represented by
paintings in the Museum, most notably by The Admonitions Scroll
after Gu Kaizhi and the cache of Buddhist paintings from
the eighth to tenth century from Dunhuang’s Caves of the
Thousand Buddhas. Ceramics were produced all over the country
in vast numbers. In the Song dynasty, collectors prized those with
green to blue glazes such as Ru wares above all others.
Image caption: Cloisonné mandala
From China. Qing dynasty, AD 1772