Chinese fine art

Much traditional Chinese art was made for the imperial court, often to be then redistributed as gifts. As well as Chinese painting, sculpture and Chinese calligraphy, there are a great range of what may be called decorative or applied arts. Chinese fine art is distinguished from Chinese folk art, which differs in its style and purpose. This article gives an overview of the many different applied arts of China.

The Chinese imperial court collected calligraphy pieces from the most skilled calligraphers in the country. The collection contains many masterpieces made by well-known calligraphers throughout Chinese art history. Furthermore, because of calligraphy's high artistic value, calligraphy collecting was popular among several Chinese emperors in multiple dynasties.

Bu Shang Tie by Ouyang Xun, Palace Museum, Beijing

Crossing the Frozen River, a poem in running script by Kangxi Emperor (1654—1722), Palace Museum, Beijing

Calligraphy on fan by Mo Shilong, China, Ming dynasty, 16th century, ink on gold paper, Honolulu Academy of Arts

Cold Food Observance (detail), ink on paper, by Su Shi, National Palace Museum, Taipei

Chinese ceramics, whose history originates back to the pre-dynastic periods, has continuously improved since then, and it is one of the most significant forms of Chinese art.

Yellow dragon jar, Ming dynasty. 1521-1567. Palace Museum, Beijing.

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