Now available in a less expensive, smaller, but no less elegant format, this new edition makes this invaluable tome available to a larger market. As sweeping in magnitude as its name implies, 5000 Years of Chinese Art is an amazingly comprehensive guide to Chinese art from prehistory (ca 2 million) to the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1912. Chapters arranged in chronological order and an index presented as a timeline allow readers to trace the progression of signature forms of Chinese art through the ages, as simple jade talismans evolve into carved jade bonsai, elegant bronze work leads to elaborate vessels crafted from a variety of precious metals, and early writings carved on oracle bones give way to scrollwork of stunning beauty and philosophical value. From furniture to drinking vessels, simple glazed ceramics to the terra cotta warriors, 5000 Years of Chinese Art is a fully engaging experience for anyone with an appreciation of art, history, or Chinese culture. sakriti opis