Description

Book Synopsis
The Chinese often use the expression du hua, 'to read a painting', in connection with their study and appreciation of such works. This volume 'reads' thirty-six masterpieces of Chinese painting from the encyclopaedic collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in order to reveal the major characteristics and themes of this pictorial tradition.

Trade Review
"Ingeniously conceived as a manual for those unfamiliar with or daunted by Chinese painting, this volume offers splendid photographic details of thirty-six works of painting and calligraphy in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. . . . Hearn invokes the literati practice of 'reading a painting' (du hua), imbuing the learning process with a balance between intellectual gravitas and playful enjoyment."—Nixi Cura, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies

How to Read Chinese Paintings

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    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Tue 23 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Maxwell K. Hearn


      View other formats and editions of How to Read Chinese Paintings by Maxwell K. Hearn

      Publisher: Yale University Press
      Publication Date: 01/08/2008
      ISBN13: 9780300141870, 978-0300141870
      ISBN10: 0300141874

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      The Chinese often use the expression du hua, 'to read a painting', in connection with their study and appreciation of such works. This volume 'reads' thirty-six masterpieces of Chinese painting from the encyclopaedic collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in order to reveal the major characteristics and themes of this pictorial tradition.

      Trade Review
      "Ingeniously conceived as a manual for those unfamiliar with or daunted by Chinese painting, this volume offers splendid photographic details of thirty-six works of painting and calligraphy in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. . . . Hearn invokes the literati practice of 'reading a painting' (du hua), imbuing the learning process with a balance between intellectual gravitas and playful enjoyment."—Nixi Cura, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies

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