Chinese Painters

Brushwork, ink and the relationship between painting and writing guide Raphaël Petrucci's study of Chinese art. The book begins with painters' equipment, the representation of forms, subjects and inspiration, then follows the development of painting through successive dynasties. Its historical chapters include the influence of Buddhism and the art of the T'ang, Sung, Yüan, Ming and Ch'ing periods. Frances Seaver's translation includes a biographical note by Laurence Binyon and twenty-five illustrations.

Petrucci pays close attention to monochrome painting and the expressive force of a single line. In his discussion of the literary style, he connects painters' work with calligraphy and scholarly training. He also examines Emperor Hui Tsung's academy and argues that courtly taste encouraged rigid conventions. Readers interested in art history can use this compact introduction to consider how tools, intellectual traditions and institutions shaped the paintings, from landscapes and birds to figures and flowers.