The Shape of the Turtle: Myth, Art, and Cosmos in Early China

By Sarah Allan

Book Overview

Many Chinese philosophic concepts derive from an ancient cosmology. This work is the first reconstructions of the mythic thought of the Shang Dynasty (ca. 1700- 1100 B.C.) which laid the foundation for later Chinese patterns of thought. Allan regards the myth, cosmology, divination, sacrificial ritual, and art of the Shang as different manifestations of a common religious system and each is examined in turn, building up a coherent and consistent picture. Although primarily concerned with the Shang, this work also describes the manner in which Shang thought was transformed in the later textual tradition.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0791404609
• ISBN13: 9780791404607
• Release Date: March 1991
• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 0.96 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher