China

The arts of China are some of the most diverse in the world

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Ancient China

Ancient terracotta pottery with painted geometric designs displayed in a museum.

Prior to the development of writing, Neolithic China had an incredible flourishing of objects made in jade and ceramic—making these objects important for our understanding of early Chinese cultures

Neolithic China
An ancient piece of bone with inscriptions carved into its surface.

The period when writing developed, bronze technology emerges, and divination became important

Shang dynasty
Close-up of an ornate, ancient bronze or copper vessel with intricate patterns and carvings.

This period saw the flowering of Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism

Zhou Dynasty
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Early Imperial China

Terracotta warriors sculptures buried in the ground, depicting soldiers from the ancient Chinese army.

The period when China is unified under the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huangdi, and a Legalist government takes hold

Qin Dynasty
Ancient ceramic figurine of a smiling woman with short hair, wearing a long robe, displayed in a glass case at a museum.

A period characterized by the revival of Confucianism and Daoism

Han dynasty
A small golden Buddha statue in a glass display case against a plain background.

A period of political division characterized by the arrival of the Xianbei, and the rise of the Buddhist religion and Daoist cults that offered hope in difficult times

Period of Division
Learn more about early imperial China
An abstract illustrated graphic with classical Greek and Asian artistic elements, including a Greek column and an Asian mask, with a green background and a "Coming Soon" banner in the center.

A short-lived period of unification before the golden age of the Tang dynasty 

Sui dynasty
A ceramic sculpture of a camel with a warrior riding on its back, displayed in a museum.

A period marked by cosmopolitanism and a blossoming of arts and culture

Tang dynasty
People visiting a large rock carving of Buddha and other sculptures in a mountain temple site, with stairs and greenery around.

Learn more about the famous overland and martime routes that connected Eurasia

The Silk Roads

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Later Imperial China

Ancient Chinese silk painting depicting a landscape scene with trees, mountains, and several figures leading horses along a river.

A period in Chinese history characterized by technological and cultural innovations, including gunpowder, the compass, and movable-type printing. Founded by Emperor Taizu, it was divided into the Northern and Southern Song periods

Song Dynasty
Traditional Asian portrait of a man with a beard, wearing a hat, on a decorative background.

A dynasty led by the Mongols, the Yuan dynasty was a period of great cultural exchange and advancements in the arts and technology

Yuan dynasty
Red ceramic bowl with a glossy finish, placed on a white surface.

Known for its cultural, artistic, and architectural achievements

Ming dynasty
Learn more about early imperial China
A decorative butterfly-shaped jewelry piece with blue and silver colors, accented with small red and clear stones.

The Qing dynasty was established by the Manchus and became a large, wealthy world empire

Qing dynasty
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Introduction to Qin Dynasty China
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What is bronze? | Guided Notes for Video on a Shang Dynasty Bronze Vessel
Introduction to Shang Dynasty China
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Introduction to Shang Dynasty China
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Shang Dynasty China | Close Looking Primary Source Activity

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World Religon: Buddhism

  • Ancient stone sculpture of a serene figure with a halo, wearing an ornate headdress and traditional attire, showcasing intricate craftsmanship.

    Bodhisattvas

  • Byodo-in Temple in Uji, Japan, featuring traditional Japanese architecture.

    The Western Paradise

  • Ink painting of five persimmons on rice paper with a floral-patterned border.

    Chan (Zen) Buddhism

Learn about Buddhism

Related Resources

  • Buddhism Across Asia

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  • Early Imperial China

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  • Ancient Japan

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  • Classical Japan

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  • Ancient World

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