Outlines of Chinese Symbolism and Art Motives

An alphabetical compendium of antique legends and beliefs, as reflected in the manners and customs of the Chinese. This is the first paperbound edition of a standard reference volume long familiar to students of China and Chinese culture. The work of a scholarly English resident of China, it is an illustrated encyclopedia with hundreds of concise, clear and authoritative articles outlining the meanings of Chinese symbols and art motives, arranged alphabetically by concept. Special emphasis is placed on those historical, legendary or supernatural persons, animals and objects that recur frequently as symbols or emblems in the art and literature (of Japan and Korea, as well as of China): Lao Tzu, the phoenix, the Eight Immortals, the Twelve Ornaments, and so on. Chinese customs and observances are recorded, and there are numerous articles on general topics (agriculture, medicine, astrology, costume, drama); arts and crafts (carpets, lacquer, shop signs, calligraphy); religion and folk beliefs, natural history, music and many other subjects.

Published 1976.

Binding of book is intact. Marks of wear and tear on covers. Front cover is slightly bowed. Slight tanning of margins of back cover. Creases on spine. Foxing and shelfwear around edges of book, heaviest on top edge. Joints slightly fragile. Some foxing on insides of covers, though colours of illustrations remain vibrant. Bookplate pasted on second page of book. Price in pencil on first page of book. Faint marks on certain pages from folding. Otherwise pages in very good condition.