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Mencius
Mencius (l. 372-289 BCE, also known as Mang-Tze or Mang-Tzu) was a Confucian philosopher during The Warring States Period in China (c. 481-221 BCE) and is considered the greatest after Confucius himself for his interpretation, formulation...
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King Wen of Zhou
An idealised portrait of King Wen of Zhou (11th century BCE), the first Chinese ruler to claim the Mandate of Heaven. Ming Period illustration.
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Dong Zhou
Artist's impression of Dong Zhou.
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Achievements of the Han Dynasty
The achievements of the Han dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE), often regarded by scholars and the ancient Chinese themselves as the golden era of Chinese culture, would have lasting effects on all who followed, particularly in the areas of government...
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The Art of the Tang Dynasty
The art of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) began to explore new possibilities in materials and styles with landscape painting and ceramics, in particular, coming to the fore. New techniques, a wider range of colours and an increase in connoisseurship...
Definition
Sun-Tzu
Sun Tzu (l. c. 500 BCE) was a Chinese military strategist and general best known as the author of the work The Art of War, a treatise on military strategy (also known as The Thirteen Chapters). He was associated (formally or as an inspiration...
Definition
Chang'an
Chang'an, located near modern Xian in Shaanxi Province, was the capital of several dynasties of ancient China from the Zhou to the Tang and eventually became one of the world's great metropolises. With regular tree-lined avenues, high walls...
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Shang Dynasty of China, c. 1100 BCE
This map illustrates the rise and expansion of the Shang dynasty, which emerged around 1600 BCE after the fall of the Xia dynasty. Centered on the North China Plain, the Shang established a hereditary monarchy with a centralized government...
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The Art of the Han Dynasty
The art of the Han dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE) of ancient China is characterised by a new desire to represent everyday life and the stories from history and mythology familiar to all. The arts were fuelled both by a political stability with...
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Eastern Han Pig Sculpture
A dolomite sculpture of a recumbent pig. Eastern Han Dynasty, 25-220 CE. Height: 3 cm. Length: 10.6 cm. (Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)