Mausoleum Stone Carvings of China's Southern DynastiesTombs in China is an English book that introduces the history and cultural value of stone carving art from the Southern Dynasties of China.
The history of these stone carvings dates back 1,600 years, and they possess the qualities of a World Cultural Heritage. These carvings represent the pinnacle of sculptural art during the Southern Dynasties of China and have profoundly impacted later sculptural arts. Renowned for their diverse cultural traditions, aesthetic innovations, and rich connotations, the stone carvings of the Southern Dynasties are a precious heritage in the history of Chinese sculptural art. They reflect the unique culture and characteristics of the era and hold an important place in the international history of sculpture. These carvings highlight ancient Chinese sculpture's sublime beauty and local culture's vibrant flourish.
The book, with detailed historical materials and images, elaborates on the millennia-long historical and cultural significance carried by the stone carvings of the Southern Dynasties. It is of great reference value to researchers and enthusiasts alike. The stone carvings of the Southern Dynasties' tombs are known for their imposing stone beasts and exaggerated intrinsic power. These beasts, such as the qilin, tianlu, and bixie, inherit the styles of the Han and Jin dynasties and foreshadow those of the Sui and Tang dynasties. They vividly express the cultural thoughts and artistic styles of their time. Carved in a round and three-dimensional manner, they exhibit an overwhelming presence, boundless vitality, and imaginative creativity, providing valuable original material for readers worldwide. This contributes to the promotion of cultural exchange between the East and the West and enhances the understanding and appreciation of Southern Dynasties' culture in China.
Pamg, Hui: - Pang Hui, born in 1954 in Changzhou, China, is currently a researcher at Sichuan Center for Zhang Daqian Studies in China, a consultant at the Jiangsu International Cultural Exchange Center in China, and a consultant at the Silicon Valley Asian Art Center in the United States. Pang Hui has been engaged in the collection and research of Chinese art for 38 years. His research fields include Chinese painting and calligraphy, Buddhist statues, Ming and Qing dynasty porcelain, and precious antique furniture. He focuses on the creative journeys during different periods and the classic works of Chang Daichien and Fu Baoshi. He has frequently analyzed and commented on the works of representative contemporary artists from both the East and West at the Silicon Valley Asian Art Center, broadcasting his insights globally.Chang Dai-Chien A Cosmopolitan and His Best Works, edited by Pang Hui, has been collected by major museums, art galleries, and libraries across the United States. It also received the "Academic Contribution Award" from the Zhang Daqian Research Center in the year of its publication.Since 2019, Pang Hui has curated and published a series of art books on China's World Intangible Cultural Heritage. Notable publications include Modern Tracings of Oracles Bone and Bronze Age Inscriptions-Qin Shiwei Oracle Seal Carving and Calligraphy Art Collection, Dream of The Red Chamber-Fine Classical Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy, and ZHIZUIJINGMI-Those Things About Xuan Paper, all of which have been released in North America. His monograph Burning Passion: Fu Baoshi's Art and Life was published in English in North America on the 120th anniversary of Fu Baoshi's birth, filling a gap in English-language research on Fu Baoshi. Additionally, books he has edited or curated, such as The Classic Collection of Chinese Ancient Calligraphy, Biography of Fu Baoshi, Seasonal Living with Splendid Poetry, and Enchanting Calligraphy, have significantly contributed to promoting traditional Chinese culture and enhancing its recognition on the international stage.Furthermore, Pang Hui has initiated a major cultural project dedicated to collecting, organizing, and studying the art of Chinese artists in the United States. He has written full-page articles for major Chinese newspapers, providing in-depth introductions to the artistic journeys and achievements of renowned Chinese-American artists such as Zhang Shuqiu, Hou Beiren, and Wei Letang. Through this project, Pang Hui has made significant contributions to promoting and preserving Chinese cultural heritage, effectively deepening the cultural exchange and understanding between China and the West.
