Title: Zhou Dynasty Art: Characteristics, Types
Headings: Zhou Dynasty Art (1050-221 BCE)
History, Types and Characteristics

Zhou Dynasty Art (1050-221 BCE)
History, Types and Characteristics
Content: Lacquer - a very toxic substance that was extracted from the resin or sap of the indigenous species Toxicodendron vernicifluum, commonly known as the Lacquer Tree - was a natural durable coating originally intended as a form of waterproof protection for wood and bamboo, but the process rapidly became a much-prized method of decorating fine objects. The resin was applied in a series of thin layers to produce a glossy finish, and was often mixed with oxides of iron to produced a deep black or a deep rich red, or gold or silver powders for an especially luxurious finish. The work was hazardous, and extremely time-consuming, sometimes costing ten times as much as bronze casting. For a comparison, see: Japanese Art, and India: Painting & Sculpture. Later Chinese Dynasties
Later Chinese art and culture is traditionally divided as follows: - See the Qin-era Terracotta Army (c.246-208 BCE)
- Arts of the Six Dynasties Period (220-618 CE)
- Sui Dynasty art (589-618)
- Tang Dynasty art (618-906)
- Song Dynasty art (960-1279)
- Yuan Dynasty art (1271-1368)
- Ming Dynasty art (1368-1644)
- Qing Dynasty art (1644-1911)
• For more about the visual arts in ancient China, see: Homepage. ENCYCLOPEDIA OF EAST ASIAN ART
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