The Chinese Art Book examines the art of the oldest civilization on earth. Full of surprises for the reader new to Chinese art as well as for specialists, its arrangement breaks new ground by pairing works that speak to one another in unexpected historical, stylistic and cultural ways. Visually exciting spreads allow each object to stand alone. At the same time, each image is enhanced by a carefully considered juxtaposition with another artwork, producing illuminating and sometimes inspiring pairings.

Every form of Chinese visual art is featured - painting, calligraphy, sculpture, ceramics, figurines, jades, bronzes, gold and silver, photography, video, installation and performance art. The works date from the first known Chinese dynasties to the most recent contemporary art. Concise descriptive essays place each work in context, and cross-references lead the reader on a fascinating journey through Chinese art history. An introductory essay offers an accessible and learned summary of Chinese political and cultural history, comprehensive glossaries define technical terms, and an illustrated timeline places each of the 300 works in its chronological sequence, providing a visual snapshot of the development of Chinese art from its earliest days to the present.