Arts and crafts [antikvár]

Arts and CraftsA Long HistoryThe fine tradition of Chinese arts and crafts has a long history. Painted pottery in different styles dates back as far as the Yangshao culture of the Neolithic Period. These handmade works vividly depicted life six thousand years ago. In the Shang Dynasty, thirty-five hundred years ago, Chinese artisans mastered the art of casting bronze, creating a great number of exquisite works. The great creative power and wisdom of the Chinese people are reflected in these ancient bronze-ware gems with their exquisite craftsmanship and diverse form. The same era marked the early development of jade, stone, bone and ivory carvings as well as silk weaving.During the long period of feudal society, from the fifth century B.C. to the mid-nineteenth century, the continual advance of traditional arts and crafts produced many marvellous works. Some of them have been brought to light in splendid condition after burial underground for one or two thousand years and thus are regarded as treasures in mankind's cultural history. Gradually handicraft articles began to find their wayl