The Path of Beauty: A Study of Chinese Aesthetics

By Li Zehou

Book Overview

Since it was first published in Chinese in 1981, The Path of Beauty has been read widely and translated into several languages, becoming a classic in the study of Chinese aesthetics. The author, a noted philosopher and aesthetician, draws on examples of sculpture, painting, calligraphy, and poetry, among other sources, from throughout China's history to build a cogent and engaging argument concerning the nature of Chinese artistic values. While providing an historical overview of Chinese art from antiquity to modern times, he examines as well the evolution of the sociological, psychological, philosophical, and spiritual underpinnings of Chinese culture.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 019586526X
• ISBN13: 9780195865264
• Release Date: February 1995
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.6" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

An in-depth look into the history of chinese aesthetics

This book is exceptional in that it is a thorough journey through the long historical development of Chinese art. It begins with the Xia dynasty (2100-1600 B.C.) and ends with the Qing (1636-1911). It is, thus, an exposition of classical chinese art. The author discusses poetry, painting, calligraphy, and music as they changed and progressed through the ages. There is an emphasis on the development of Chinese society and the effects that it had on the arts. It is as if the arts act as a mirror that reflects the trends of society, whether they be progress, prosperity, war and bloodshed, etc. As an example, Dr. Li discusses the influence that religion had on the arts including Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. I enjoyed this work, however it appears that the author is well-versed specifically in the developments of Chinese poetry, for greater attention is paid to this art, the result being a glossing over of the other arts.