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During the Song dynasty, China experienced significant advances in art, literature, technology, government, and architecture. Paintings give us insight into the great cultural and economic growth China experienced during the Song dynasty. The Song dynasty was broken into two periods. First was the Northern Song or Bei Song which was followed by the Southern Song or Nan Song. The distinction in made because of a geographical change which occurred because of the Song Dynasty relinquishing the northern territory of China to the Jin Dynasty (Song Dynasty Art). There were also differences in the painting styles of the different periods. The Northern Song style paintings were larger and signified major societal issues. The Southern Song painting styles were smaller and focused on societies important but less broad issues (Boundless).
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Get Help Now!For the Northern Song painting, I chose the Classic of Filial Piety. The scenery and literature shows me that moderation and humbleness were important qualities during the Song dynasty. With his writings, the painter depicts these qualities as not just important but divine. Since China was experiencing great population growth during this time, I understand why the need to use moderation was important to sustain resources and maintain control of a larger population. Also, the lessons are consistent with Neo-Confucianism which preached balance and harmony.
For the Southern Song painting, I chose Emperor Xuanzong’s Flight to Shu. Consistent with the Southern Song style, this painting depicts less scenery and focuses on a smaller story. I think there is less to be learned from this painting and it is more concerned with the individual story than with larger issues in society. To me, the painting is significant because it shows that the artist and people of China were effectively recording their history and remembering the mistakes of the past.
In either case, I don’t think that art is the most effective way of learning concerns, hopes, and preoccupations of a society because of the many different interpretation that can be made. Often times, an artist might create a painting which has an entirely different significance to him than to the viewer. People often interpret things differently based on where there from, the time they live, and many other factors. More can be learned when combining art history with other forms of history. Paintings such as the Classic of Filial Piety are more clear to me because they contain writings as well.
Song Dynasty Art (960-1279) History, Types and Characteristics. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/east-asian-art/song-dynasty.html
Boundless. (n.d.). Boundless Art History. Retrieved from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-arthistory/chapter/the-song-dynasty/
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Kyle Pflager
RE: Week Three Discussion 2 Topic 1 – The Song Dynasty
COLLAPSE
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One of the most obvious things that these paintings do for us is show up the changes that were taking place during the Sony Dynasty. Not only was the government expanding their horizons with changes, so were families and everything that accompanies them. As with much of the world always trying to advance technology, reading, writing and basic principles throughout history, this dynasty was no different. The paintings show us that everyone, at an individual level was advancing.
With the Southern Song also known as “Nan Song” I chose Viewing blossoms by moonlight. The painting itself rings to me as if they are saying the sky is the limit. Yes, I know, that is a broad statement. More clearly, I mean this painting shows the beauty of the landscape, the rocks, mountain tops as well as the spirit of the man sitting down. This shows the spirit of a man is free and willing to always improve. A mans spirit is always looking up.
For the Northern Song also known as “Bei Song” I chose the summer mountains painting. During this part of the dynasty the chinese were ever expanding and looking up. The painting shows dark colors towards the base, while the lighter colors are on top. To me, this shows the travel and mountains that they crossed in order to further their dynasty. No mountain was to high, no valley was to low and no roots were large enough to stop them. This is a simple but powerful message that the mission continues no matter what stood in their way.
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