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Can westerners really appreciate Chinese Art Works

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  Quote Killabee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Can westerners really appreciate Chinese Art Works
    Posted: 12-Oct-2006 at 16:59
I really like Tang and Song period Architecture.

They were mostly composed of two color only: red and white or brown and white. Plain and simple.

The modern post-Ming architecture are strongly influenced from the Northern nomadic tribes.  Notably the Forbidden City, although it was initally built by the second Ming Emperor, Chu Ti. When the Manchus usurped  Beijing, they made tremendous changes in the Palace to accommodate to  their liking.

However, you can rarely find any Tang and Song period Architecture in China now in these days. Most of them are destroyed due to long period  of warfare.

The only place you find them is not in China but in Japan. The Imperial Palace and Temple in Nara and Kyoto are exactly modeled after the Tang Dynasty period. Ironically, they were nearly destroyed by the US bombers during the World Word II if it wasn't the Chinese architect (forgot his name) who petitioned to US government for sparing them.
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  Quote Killabee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12-Oct-2006 at 18:21
Recently, there are movement of revivalization of Tang period architecture as most people agree that they are the true beauty of Chinese culture.
 
Below are the pictures of the newly built Chi Lin Nunnery in Hong Kong.
The Temple is entirely based upon Tang era style. Japanese consultants were hired to provide information as to building Tang era architecture since it has been long gone in China but preserved in Japan.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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  Quote flyingzone Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12-Oct-2006 at 19:52
Beautiful. Unfortunately you can see those typical Hong Kong skyscrapers in the background ...
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  Quote Killabee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12-Oct-2006 at 21:03
Originally posted by flyingzone

Beautiful. Unfortunately you can see those typical Hong Kong skyscrapers in the background ...


Well, this is how Hong Kong is like.

7 millions people cramming in 425 square miles. Dead
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  Quote Cryptic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15-Oct-2006 at 09:52
Originally posted by Killabee

Below are the pictures of the newly built Chi Lin Nunnery in Hong Kong.
The Temple is entirely based upon Tang era style. Japanese consultants were hired to provide information as to building Tang era architecture since it has been long gone in China but preserved in Japan.
 
I hope the revial of traditional architecture continues in China.  A global "mono architectural style" would be horrible.   Is the nunnery for Buddhist, Taoist / Confucian or Christian nuns? 


Edited by Cryptic - 15-Oct-2006 at 09:53
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  Quote Gun Powder Ma Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15-Oct-2006 at 14:22
Originally posted by Cryptic

I hope the revial of traditional architecture continues in China.  A global "mono architectural style" would be horrible.  


I agree. But this retro style is neither particularly cost- nor space effective and certainly not very functional. And as soon as you wanna build higher rising buildings you have make compromises which take you quite far from the original Tang style: left side traditional style, right side appartment buildings: http://www.nwsh.com.hk/eng/home/images/photo-services-full08.jpg



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  Quote Preobrazhenskoe Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15-Oct-2006 at 15:24

Don't get me wrong, it's a shame that mainland China is lacking in a lot of its original artwork, now located in places like Taiwan, Japan, Europe, USA, South America, etc. However, being a Westerner, I think you're wrong about the notion of Westerners being unable to appreciate Eastern Art, its significance, and where it is derived from.

Take a look at the Charles Lang Freer Gallery, part of the Washington D.C. Smithsonian Museum in the States.
 
 
 
This is an enormous collection of Chinese art, ranging from the Neolithic period (pre-2100 BCE) all the way up to the end of the Qing Dynasty in the beginning of the 20th century. Paintings, calligraphy, stoneware, porcelain, earthenware vases, bronzeware, iron work, silver-smithing and gold treasure, lacquerware works and furniture, wooden tapestries, you name it, the gallery's got it.
 
All of this was originally purchased by one Charles Lang Freer of Detroit, when it made its way to the States via Japan, where most of these items were kept reserved in Japan for centuries before making it to the U.S.
 
Eric


Edited by Preobrazhenskoe - 15-Oct-2006 at 15:27
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  Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15-Oct-2006 at 21:12

Can westerners appreciate Chinese art works?

Of course they can!

Chinese civilization and culture may seem very different in the outside, but looking at it with care we find the same internal similaties of all mankind.

Of course there are obstacles in the way. First, one must know the codes of the culture, and to get certain knowledge of its values, its language and history. But art is beauty and harmony, and that is universal. If something is pretty, any human being has the hability to capture it.

Pinguin

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  Quote Cryptic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15-Oct-2006 at 21:12
Originally posted by Gun Powder Ma

Originally posted by Cryptic

I hope the revial of traditional architecture continues in China.  A global "mono architectural style" would be horrible.  

I agree. But this retro style is neither particularly cost- nor space effective and certainly not very functional.
 
Yes, I can see your points.  I will not be surprised if full "retro style" is limited to religous structures and the custom designed mansions of the wealthy.  You can imagine how much the property for the "retro" nunnery cost in Hong KongShocked.
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  Quote Preobrazhenskoe Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16-Oct-2006 at 13:54
Here's a long gallery of pics from the Charles Lang Freer Gallery, as well as other assorted pics from other galleries and places in China.

SIMPLE DIRECTIONS: Don't bother clicking on the thumbnails themselves, just click on the web links below the written description of each thumbnail pic, and it will bring you to a pop-up window where the large-size image of that pic is! Enjoy!

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This painting entitled Guan-Yin and the Fish Basket, 15th century AD, Ming Dynasty painting, anonymous painter.

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/KJMa1C68.jpg

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This painting is entitled, a Group of Lohan Floating Upon Waves and Clouds, painted in 1610, Ming Dynasty

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/DGBz5OkU.jpg

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Eastern Han Dynasty Ding Tripod Vessel, earthenware with copper-green lead-silicate glaze, 1st century AD

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/lPLuTzOs.jpg

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Eastern Zhou Dynasty Basin (chien), bronze-cast vessel, 5th century BC

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/mJIDI6fO.jpg

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Northern Qi Dynasty, Head of the Buddhist Disciple Ananda, limestone, late 6th century AD

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/tOMsw9E6.jpg

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Ming Dynasty Red-Lacquer Box, Yongle Reign Period, 1403-1424 AD

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/Aczv8GMw.jpg

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Northern Song Dynasty Statue of Guanyin, early 12th century AD

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/8vl6NRHe.jpg

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Eastern Zhou Dynasty, Zoomorphic-Bird Ritual Vessel, bronze with gold inlay, circa 500 BC

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/gOrwAApz.jpg

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Ming Dynasty Porcelain Bowl, cobalt colorless glaze, Emperor Xuande period (1426-1435 AD)

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/asicuErH.jpg

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Tang Dynasty Silver Cup, intricate silver-smithed designs of animals and flower motif, early 8th century AD

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/qBRFqG4b.jpg
 
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The towering Liao Dynasty Guanyin Painted-Clay Statue of Dule Temple, 984 AD

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/1U9BpF66.jpg

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Ming Dynasty Porcelain Slops Jar (Zhadou), Zhengde Reign, 1506-1521 AD

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/TLdkPud0.jpg

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Ladies Playing Double-Sixes, original by Zhou Fang (lived c. 730-800 AD), late 10th - early 11th century remake, Song Dynasty

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/n4asi5ym.jpg

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Bronze Mirror, gold and silver inlay design of horse-riding chariots, Buddhist figures, and flying animals, dated from 220 - 589 AD, during the divisionary period

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/VHHEhwFZ.jpg

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Eastern Zhou Dynasty Bronze Mirror, gold and silver inlay designs of intertwined flying dragons, 5th-4th century BC, Warring States Era

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/PWEQrdLS.jpg

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Eastern Zhou Dynasty Jade-carved Hair Comb (Jincun), 5th-4th century BC

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/MQZxPPB7.jpg

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Landscape Painting by Dong Yuan, 5 Dynasties and 10 Kingdoms Period, 10th century AD

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/Nmgm58cQ.jpg

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Lady of Guo On a Spring Outing, by Zhang Xuan, 8th century AD, Tang Dynasty

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/UwO68FPI.jpg

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A Man Taking His Ease, painting on silk scroll, first half of 15th century AD, late Yuan Dynasty

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/9X7i0dnb.jpg

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The Hall of Precious Paintings, originally by Qiu Ying, 17th century remake

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/C55cgS9h.jpg


Edited by Preobrazhenskoe - 16-Oct-2006 at 14:00
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  Quote Preobrazhenskoe Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16-Oct-2006 at 13:55
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Peach Festival of the Queen Mother of the West, early 17th century Ming Dynasty

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/v0eFcfjn.jpg

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The Original and well-preserved painting of Luohan Laundering, by Lin Tinggui, painted in 1178 AD, Southern Song Dynasty period

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/elinxAg8.jpg

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Northern Song Dynasty, porcelain Ding Ware Bottle, 11th-12th century

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/ZqcqVhAa.jpg

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Yuan Dynasty, plastic-dripped lacquer over wooden tray with pearl inlay design, late 13th - early 14th century AD

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/d7JG1nmW.jpg

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Western Zhou Dynasty, Ritual Food Vessel (Fuding Ding), bronze-ware, dated 11th-10th century BC

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/8HOteBda.jpg

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Ming Dynasty, porcelain dish, Xuande Reign, 1426-1435 AD

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/q4AFW71b.jpg

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Tang Dynasty, gilded-bronze incense burner, dated 7th-8th century AD

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/VqyGUYT3.jpg

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Ming Dynasty, Low Table, plastic-dripped lacquer over wood, gold, silver, and pearl inlay design, late 16th century AD

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/Yl9dDUYC.jpg

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Tang Dynasty, Silver Stem Cup, 700-750 AD

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/ozajagxH.jpg

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Western Han Dynasty Covered Tripod, stoneware with mostly worn-off green-glaze celadon, 2nd Century BC

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/v7Bl0MUy.jpg
 
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Qianlong Ispection Tour, painted handscroll, mid 18th century

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/KPrN62ZX.jpg

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Qianlong Ispection Tour, painted handscroll, mid 18th century

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/LFHVdrMv.jpg

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Portrait of Lady Li, 1535 AD, Ming Dynasty Silk Hanging Scroll

http://thumbsnap.com/v/iaWfKaZ7.jpg

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Portrait of Lady Li, 1535 AD, Ming Dynasty Silk Hanging Scroll

http://thumbsnap.com/v/z644igLM.jpg

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Massive Leshan Buddha Stone Sculpture, 71 meters tall (233 feet), completed in 803 AD, Tang Dynasty; it is the largest stone-carved Buddha in the world

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/Q6LHwAsO.jpg

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Another image of the massive 9th century Leshan Buddha Sculpture

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/1OGw5c2m.jpg

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Stone Lohan Buddhist Statue in Meditation, 11th century AD, Northern Song Dynasty

http://thumbsnap.com/v/LClz7OR8.jpg

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Eastern Han Dynasty Green Glaze Tripod Ding, 1st century AD

http://thumbsnap.com/v/ydpSW5Gv.jpg

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Life-size Horse Sculpture, 8th century, Tang Dynasty, Alberto Manuel Cheung Gallery of Arts

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/D37yILXW.jpg

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Bronze-Cast Statue of Emperor Yongle (reigned 1402 - 1424 AD), Ming Dynasty

http://thumbsnap.com/v/jCrycg55.jpg
 
 
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  Quote Preobrazhenskoe Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16-Oct-2006 at 13:57
HOLY CRAP! The greatest of all these paintings below, click on the link below the description to scan across the entire length of this old 11-meter-long painted handscroll:

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Spring Festival (Qing Ming) on the River, this is an 18th century remake of an 11th century classic by Zhang Zerui

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/TVTPhoTo.jpg

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Eastern Jin, Admonitions of the Instructress to the Court Ladies, original copy by Gu Kaizhi, 345-406 AD

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/OD0lGZSD.jpg

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Ancient Eastern Jin Dynasty Landscape Painting original, by the master Luo Shen Fu (lived circa 317-420); this is another long handscroll, so when you click the link directly below, make sure to scan through the whole picture using the scroll bar, it's worth the look!

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/mHG5FwcP.jpg

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A Bird Hovering over Blossoming Branches, 18th century Qing Dynasty

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/9aoMv5nO.jpg

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A Man Resting Under Pines; Two Boys Preparing Tea, 16th century AD, Ming Dynasty

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/Pip65bC3.jpg

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Toy Peddler and Children, 18th century, Qing Dynasty

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/eKoV0W9B.jpg

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Original and well-preserved painting of Rock Bridge at Tiantai Mountain, by Zhou Jichang, 1178 AD, Southern Song Dynasty

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/QkZ6i1Ak.jpg

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Painting of a Seated Luohan, 16th century AD, Ming Dynasty

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/RaMJZ4Tw.jpg

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Java Sparrow on a Berry Branch, 15th century AD, early Ming Dynasty

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/UrCRRj8t.jpg

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One of the Four Scenes Paintings, by Liu Songnian (1174-1224 AD), Southern Song Dynasty

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/P1F2XLF7.jpg
 
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Ming Dynasty, red lacquer box over wood, intricate Chinese pavilion and ocean carving design, Hongzhi Reign (1488-1505)

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/tgTa5lsv.jpg

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Ming Dynasty, porcelain Guan Shape Vase, intricate scene design of flowers and children playing, Jiajing Reign (1522-1566)

http://www.imageshack.com/

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Ming Dynasty, Tibetan buddhist base mandala, enamels on brass, cloisonne, early 15th century, Yongle Reign

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/UpH4mequ.jpg

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Southern Song Dynasty, red lacquer over wood tray with mother-of-pearl inlay, 13th century

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/iJz2Zr3Z.jpg

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Ming Dynasty, porcelain stem-bowl, Xuande reign, mid 15th century

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/SIXDNaxg.jpg

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Ming Dynasty, lacquered box with bamboo basketry, silver, gold, polychrome, 1573-1620 AD

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/W2igKzgF.jpg

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Song Dynasty Jade Cup (Bei), 11th-12th century AD

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/p1azU0Nf.jpg

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Ming Dynasty, red-lacquer box over wood, intricate lacquer carving, 15th century AD

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/v9ocvQo6.jpg

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Qing Dynasty, porcelain vase, Qianlong reign (1736-1795)

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/HHckKFvb.jpg

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Eastern Zhou Dynasty, ritual wine vessel, bronze-ware, 5th century BC

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/HQWaFVdA.jpg

Eric
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  Quote Preobrazhenskoe Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-Oct-2006 at 14:17
IPB Image

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, brick construction, 64.5 meters (211.6 feet) high, built in 652 AD under the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty.

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/JUb0ElQ4.jpg

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The Iron Pagoda of Youguo Temple, brick construction, 54.66 meters tall, built in 1049 AD in the Northern Song Period of China

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/daganQUl.jpg

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Yingxian Pagoda, 67.31 meters tall, original wood construction, built in 1056 AD, during the Liao/Northern Song Dynasty

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/GN4OClju.jpg

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Liu-He Pagoda, brick and wood construction, 59.89 meters tall (roughly 196.5 feet-tall), erected in 1152 AD during the Southern Song Dynasty of China

http://thumbsnap.com/v/dbSTARZq.jpg

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Famen Temple's Real Spirit Pagoda, brick construction, 47 meters tall, built in 1579 AD during the Ming Dynasty in China

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/2FkizKiB.jpg

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The Anji (or Zhaozhou) Bridge, brick and stone segmental arch bridge, engineered by Li Chun, construction began in 595 AD, and was completed in 605 AD under the Sui Dynasty of China

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/OwhLWNgL.jpg

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Eastern Han Dynasty Tomb Panel Relief, stone carving, 1st-2nd century AD

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/3ZQZibvq.jpg

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Tiger Under Snowy Pines, silk-scroll painting, early 17th century, Ming Dynasty

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/SQlrceEf.jpg

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Taoist Immortals Walking on Water, late 14th century AD, early Ming Dynasty

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/uZABFl0e.jpg

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Eastern Zhou Dynasty Pilgrim Flask (Bian Hu), bronze inlaid with silver, 3rd century BC

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/zbFxPJtp.jpg
 
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The Forbidden City of Beijing, 720,000 square meters of area, 800 buildings with over 8,600 rooms, construction completed by 1420 AD, under the reign of the Ming Dynasty Emperor Yongle.

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/XHyeNSk7.jpg

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Corner Tower of the Forbidden City

http://thumbsnap.com/v/xFUfSUmU.jpg

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Canal view with palace Meridian Gate entrance of the Forbidden City in the background

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/Vmd82CzX.jpg

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The Hall of Supreme Harmony within Beijing's Forbidden City

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/Rlla75Ch.jpg

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Forbidden City Throne Room

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/5RLcobWP.jpg

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The Terracotta Army of Qin, created and assembled by the year 210 BC by the First Qin Emperor (Qin Shihuangdi), located near modern-day Xian. A total of 8,099 terracotta figures were found in the outlying tombs to his main pyramid mausoleum, the figures including horses, soldiers, generals, and complete with bronze chariots and actual wielded weapons.

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/qi9GxwZF.jpg

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Terracotta Soldiers, 3rd century BC

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/HCBMq1HN.jpg

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Terracotta Cavalryman holding the reins of his horse, 3rd century BC

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/goWhEwYb.jpg

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Terracotta Army Officer General

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/AdiS9uve.jpg

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Terracotta Army Bronze Chariot with Terracotta Horses

http://thumbsnap.com/vf/DpRaUxIQ.jpg

Eric
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  Quote pekau Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21-Feb-2007 at 03:23

Wow, excellent efforts! Clap

     
   
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