Search results for ""Shanghai Press""

Try your hands at these historically and culturally important methods, and create some beautiful paintings of your own.Chinese painting is an ancient art that has evolved and become refined over many centuries. Artists brush ink and color pigments onto silk or paper using a variety of techniques, with two main approaches: gongbi a traditional and realistic style based on line drawing, and xieyi style, a freehand method that uses fewer strokes to suggest objects in a less literal way.Painting themes generally fall into three categories: figure, landscaping, and bird-and-flower. Chinese brush painting is mainly presented in lines, shades and white space to express the feelings about nature, social phenomena, and the very essence of the universe. The framework for this expression is often traditional: certain subjects carry cultural connotations that are well-known and imbue the painting with a layer of meaning beyond face value of objects shown. The traditional subjects such as mandarin ducks, butterflies, and the 'Four Gentlemen' (plum blossoms, orchids, bamboos, and chrysanthemum) are examples that contain this rich cultural meaning. Readers will learn first about the tools and materials, then painting techniques. Early pages explore the very basic painting methods and subjects—perfect for beginning painters—but continue to build skills for painting plants and animals of increasing complexity.Chinese Brush Painting illustrates several Chinese brush painting techniques with the use of different tools, brushwork and color mixing. With the step-by-step projects, you can first follow the introductory lessons to learn the necessary skills of brushwork, usage of paper, and characteristics of water, ink and colors; then follow the advanced lessons to learn the compositions and more complicated color applications.

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In China, moxibustion —the practice of burning Chinese mugwort leaves over a patient's acupoints—is a natural therapy that has been handed down from generation to generation for several thousands of years. This volume details everything readers need to know to get started enjoying the benefits of moxibustion for both health and beauty. Useful as either a handbook for quick reference or as a guide to in-depth study, Illustrated Moxibustion Therapy covers: The basic theory of moxibustion Essential materials, tools, and methods Operative skills and important points The ten major health-care acupoints of traditional Chinese medicine and their respective moxibustion methods The moxibustion therapies of nearly 100 common diseases, demonstrated by real people and described with illustrated texts Daily maintenance suggestions and auxiliary therapies The therapeutic burning of moxa sticks or moxa fibers made of Chinese mugwort soothes and dredges the meridians, improves the circulation of vital energy and blood, and regulates the function of internal organs, thus aiding in the treatment of specific diseases and maintaining general health. Characterized by organic materials, simple techniques, and soothing feelings, moxibustion is a practice whose popularity in the west is growing by leaps and bounds.

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Create stunning papercraft works of art for every season with this creative and easy-to-follow Chinese paper quilling book.Quilling, the art of coiling and shaping narrow paper strips into 3-D designs, has been popular with crafters for some time but the art form is hundreds of years old. Chinese paper quilling is a lovely and flexible art form perfectly suited to illustrating scenes from different seasons. This seasonal guide links beloved Western crafting with traditional Chinese Arts. Paper Quilling Four Seasons Chinese Style presents unique creations and includes the terminology, methodology and detailed step-by-step instructions you need to recreate these pieces and to design your own art.This guide offers: Background on various Chinese art forms to help stoke your imagination. Adaptable paper quilling methods, breaking from traditional; approaches to paper quilling. Unique elements of Chinese paper quilling to help you discover different creation techniques. Cultural background on the 24 solar terms, which have been used for more than 1,000 years and are still relevant today, and examples of artwork that capture these terms. Get started today with your own beautiful depictions of the four seasons with this unique paper craft. The flexibility and elasticity that paper has gives you endless possibilities. All you need to get started is strips of paper, glue, and a tool to roll the paper. You can readily get these at any craft store or use what you already have: recycled paper and a bamboo skewer or toothpick work well.

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Built in 1707, the Old Summer Palace (Yuan Ming Yuan) is a masterpiece integrating the classic garden-building arts of China. It is reputed as the "Garden of all Gardens," due to its rich and incomparable landscaping. The beautiful and expansive gardens were known to the world, and triggered the craze of Chinese gardens in 18th century Europe. Victor Hugo, one of the best and greatest known French writers, described it as "Achievements generated from the imagination of a super nation." The Old Summer Palace was also the second political center in addition to the Forbidden City in the Qing Dynasty (1636–1911). Five emperors chose the Old Summer Palace as their venue for administrative governance. They felt it expressed an ideal of state governing and an appeal of aesthetics. Meanwhile, it was the base for turning out important national policies while serving as an important venue for the exchange between Chinese and foreign envoys. Having gone through a span of over 150 years, the Old Summer Palace reflects the history of the rise and fall of the Qing Dynasty. Deserving its honor as the largest royal art museum, the Old Summer Palace contained calligraphic works and paintings of many noted artists, numerous rarities such as secret and valuable books, ancient bells, tri-pots, precious articles, gold and silver wares, jewelry and jade as well as rare flowers and trees of that time. In 1860, the Old Summer Palace was destroyed by British-French Allied Forces and all the collections inside were looted, resulting in a terrible disaster in the history of international culture. Today, the Older Summer Palace represents an important piece of cultural history for human civilization. At the end of the 20th century, Guo Daiheng, the author of this book, led over 80 experts, scholars and professionals in starting a project of Digital Reconstruction of the Old Summer Palace, an unprecedented task in the history of international historic parks. Over the past 15 years, the project has included an orderly development in 3D molding, digital restoration, and digital experience. Scenes of the Old Summer Palace in this book are the exact results from a digitalized Old Summer Palace, which reveals the magnificence of the garden in its prime.

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Learn Chinese paper folding with this easy origami book.This origami paper craft book features zhezhi, the art of paper folding and origami which originated in China more than 1900 years ago and is still practiced today by the Chinese. Chinese Origami: Paper Folding for Year-Round Celebrations introduces many basic techniques and step-by-step instruction for a over 70 origami projects. Origami projects include: flowers animals decorations for festivals plum blossoms a narcissus lantern steamed rice dumplings and much more… This origami book will show you how to fold these objects and understand the traditions of Chinese culture that are deeply rooted in them. Beginners can follow the detailed easy-to-follow diagrams and illustrations, while those who are more advance can learn from the basic techniques to create and customize their own masterpieces.Watch your imagination take shape in clever and inspired forms with the art of Chinese paper folding!

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This authoritative collector's book is the largest collection of Chinese weaving and embroider patterns available.For more than twenty-five hundred years the patterns of Chinese silk textiles captured the imaginations of their beholders. The woven and embroidered designs catalogued in Exquisite Fabrics, a survey by Gao Chunming, combine consummate mechanical and technical skill with an aesthetic vision driven by the need to communicate the most important message of Chinese culture. This Chinese art book is a compilation of over one thousand Chinese traditional designs found in weaving and embroidery. Known as zhiwen or wen in ancient China, these traditional patterns are the products of brilliant artistic skills that have been passed down from one generation to the next. Available in a gorgeous slipcase, this book presents a wide and comprehensive range of classical design motifs that include: dragons phoenix birds auspicious animals floral patterns insects and fish figures religious allegorical

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Goldwork embroidery is a traditional Chinese embroidery technique that was originally used in the court or palaces and was exclusive to nobility in ancient times. Similar embroidery techniques were used in Central Asia and Europe in ancient times as well. Today, this sort of technique, characterized by its diversity of thread textures, variety of techniques, unique three-dimensional shape, and ability to blend other embroidery styles, is familiar to and admired by embroidery enthusiasts all over the world. Through her practice in embroidery over the past two decades, Chen Daiyu has simultaneously studied both Chinese and European embroidery. Her work is unique in that it combines the beauty of both forms, making it uniquely original. In this book, she draws inspiration from elements of traditional Chinese painting, combining traditional Chinese silk embroidery with European goldwork embroidery to create stunning, elegant works with a unique Chinese aesthetic appeal. This volume combines images and text, taking the reader systematically through the world of goldwork embroidery with a step-by-step guide.

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Mei finds an old album in Grandma's house in Beijing. She discovers a charming character doing a back flip on a faded photo and surprisingly learns this is her late Grandpa. She wishes she could have spent more time with him. Grandma says Grandpa was one of the best performers of Peking Opera (jing ju). It is hard for Mei to imagine him singing and doing back flips, so Grandma takes Mei to a show at the Mei Lanfang Grand Theater. The wonderful performance and Grandma's explanations offer Mei a beautiful overview of Peking Opera, the classic Chinese performance art, as well as interesting stories of her Grandpa. Mei returns to Washington D.C. after vacation. She decides to introduce the 'most beautiful face' to her friends. What is the most beautiful face? Why does Mei love it? Will her friends like it too? Let's follow the traditional Chinese paintbrush to enjoy an affectionate story about familial love, and learn about the traditional Chinese art enriched by more than a thousand years

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This beautifully illustrated multicultural children's book follows Ming as he discovers the birth of Kung Fu.After Xiao Ming participates in a martial arts exercise at school, his parents take him on a trip to the Shaolin Temple—the birth-place of kung fu—in the central Henan Province of China. The temple is situated in the forests of Shaoshi Mountain, one of the seven mountains of Song Mountains. With a history of over 1,500 years, the grand Shaolin Temple has precious stone-carvings in its many buildings. At the Warrior Monks School (Wuseng Yuan), he sees monks practicing kung fu and jumps in to learn some martial arts skills. He then goes into a stone cave by mistake and meets a monk who turns out to be Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, according to legend. Bodhidharma takes him onto the mountain to see peach flowers, small birds and big trees. He tells Ming how the Shaolin Temple became the birthplace of Zen in Buddhism.

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A sweet story that highlights a family's bond, even when they're far apart.In China, the Mid-Autumn festival is a time to celebrate and reunite with family. However, Maomao's father is away on a business trip this year, and won't be able to enjoy the holiday with his wife and son.Hoping they can celebrate under the same bright moon despite the distance between them, Maomao asks the moon to deliver a postcard to his father; the moon smiles and promises to deliver the message safely. The moon sets off immediately, using the stars in the sky as her guide. During her journey, the moon makes many friends: swimming alongside the fish, chasing clouds and planes, playing hide-and-seek with a little girl.Finally, she delivers the postcard to Maomao's father and, at last, they are all celebrating under the same moon.Upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival dates:October 1, 2020September 21, 2021September 10, 2022

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A sweet story that shows how one small act of kindness can help those around you. Little Mo and her family always compete in their village's annual lantern competition, but this year she has no new ideas and doesn't know where to begin. Little Mo finds herself wishing for help in front of a lamp post, when a thunderstorm suddenly rolls in. Worried that the rain will put the lamp's flame out, Little Mo uses her own umbrella to cover the lamp. Little did she know, an unexpected recipient of her selfless act would guide Little Mo to victory in the lantern competition in return.Not only does this book emphasize the importance of kindness, but presents the story in both English and Chinese. Children and parents will love learning about Chinese New Year's Lantern Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival.

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Is bamboo a food, a grass, or a wood? One little boy knows that it's all three!Told in both English and Chinese, Bamboo and Me is the story of a little boy whose house was surrounded by many bamboo forests and streams. He lived with bamboo all year round. In spring, he ate delicate and delicious bamboo shoots; in summer, he crafted pliant bamboo stalks into baskets and brooms that he used as tools for fishing; in fall, he used mature bamboo to build kites that flew high and far; in winter, pork cooked with bamboo shoots was the celebratory dish for his family's New Year's Eve dinner. Even the special gift he received from his grandfather on New Year's Eve was made of bamboo. Winsomely told and delightfully illustrated, Bamboo and Me is a tale that will enchant readers of all ages.

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Magical Realism is a genre of writing that has been explored by a variety of writers across cultures and countries. In the novel Gone With the River Mist, Chinese author Yao Emei brings magical elements into the spare lives of four woman living in a misty and sunless town called Wuluo.Little Yu lives with her mother, aunt and grandmother in a small house in a small town. Ma Gu, the matriarch of this clan of women, is a widow and mother of two daughters; Ah-Shan, a single mother after her affair with a married engineer and Ah-Shui, who tried to escaped by running off with a rich city man but finds herself deserted and penniless—and back in Wuluo with her mother, sister and niece. Little Yu doesn't escape unscathed, as she too has been forsaken by a man who promised to support her education and instead discarded her.Gone With the River Mist is an evocative novel that explores the lives of these four woman as they each search for love, life, and dignity. Author Yao Emei cleverly captures the distinctive character of each woman in this tumultuous story about their difficult but impressive journey towards achieving their dreams.

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This collection of contemporary Chinese literature features three short novellas from celebrated Shanghai writer Zhu Xiaolin.In Normandy Rainbow, a mother and daughter find that the path is crooked and often full of temptations that lead them to take detours. One will find her way back, but what will happen to the other? What good can come out of evil? In Auschwitz Wall of Death, a young Chinese journalist is determined to visit the notorious death camp so she can bear witness to the atrocities committed there, but each encounter with a survivor opens her eyes to the indestructible human spirit. Sometimes the power of hope and the depths of despair drives us to act in ways that takes us far away from home. In Platinum Passport, a married couple''s pursuit of happiness abroad in America does not go as planned and they must rely on the kindness of strangers on both sides of the Pacific.

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Featuring beautiful photographs and insightful commentary this Chinese gardening book is a must have for any gardening or zen enthusiast.Celebrating the pleasures of garden living enjoyed by the elite of late imperial China, this book brings together poetry, prose, paintings and prints from imperial China to show the many facets of life and leisure in the Chinese garden. From music to lanterns, from chess to drama, all kinds of cultural activities could be enjoyed in a garden setting, alone or with friends and family. Here, too, the garden owner and his or her companions could appreciate the changing seasons with all their variety of scent, sound and colorful blossom. No wonder that dwelling in a garden was often compared to the carefree life of a Taoist immortal. Chinese Garden Appreciation, compiled by a leading expert in Chinese garden history, incorporates many original translations of classical Chinese poetry and prose.

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Smoothies are a convenient way to combine nutrition and refreshment in your daily life. This smoothie recipe book uses the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to create functional blended tonics using natural super foods for your special body constitutions, conditions, and well-being. Never before have Chinese & Asian super foods been featured and brought to life in this way. Unique blends and ingredients include goji berries, ginger, millet, beans, barley, grains, hawthorn berry, chrysanthemum, rose, green tea, and corn silk tea. All the ingredients have been crafted into over 30 modern-day delicious recipes and smoothies for you to enjoy. The smoothie recipes in this book will highlight the roles of: Nutrition Immune system strength Detoxification Refreshment Digestion aids And more!

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This collection of Zen poems and essays guides readers towards the joy of life.In the 1,600 years that have elapsed since the arrival of Indian Buddhism in China during the Han and Jin dynasties, Buddhist monks and scholars have integrated the essence of Zen Buddhist thought with the classical forms of Chinese literature to create over 30,000 simple, lively poems of deep moral significance. Their authors convey an understanding of Zen, of its practice, or of the knowledge gained through meditation, they promote its philosophical principles and display its interest. The poems are widely known, long lived and much loved. Professor Wu Yansheng has selected 66 classic poems by 54 historical scholars or monks ranging from Tao Yuanming (365–427), Han Shan (7th and 8th centuries), Wang Wei (701–761), to Xu Yun (1840–1959). He provides insights and a detailed introduction to the author of each poem in the hope of guiding the reader towards the realms of Zen and its poetry. These poems represent the highest achievement of Zen poetry. The single qualification for inclusion has been depth of feeling and understanding. Each poem indicates a realm where the duality of opposites has been transcended to achieve spiritual harmony. It shows the way to release and spiritual freedom. It shows a garden of peace of mind that brings restlessness to an end. In opening this book, the reader will… Visit the depths of the realms of Zen and poetry, of life and awakening and of the wisdom of the East. Enter the spiritual world of the enlightened and together with the great Masters enjoy the tranquillity, purity, and ethereal nature of life. Dispel anxiety, purify the soul and live poetically in the world.

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Anyone interested in traditional Chinese painting will find these four volumes useful for self-study. Each of the four volumes teach amateur brush painters to execute the intricacies of Chinese brush painting. Beginning with the separate parts and then progressing to the composition, these volumes feature exquisite illustrations that will enable the learner to pick up the basics as if in a classroom setting.

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Anyone interested in traditional Chinese painting will find these four volumes useful for self-study. Each of the four volumes teach amateur brush painters to execute the intricacies of Chinese brush painting. Beginning with the separate parts and then progressing to the composition, these volumes feature exquisite illustrations that will enable the learner to pick up the basics as if in a classroom setting.

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With readable and enternatining stories from China's past, this book is a unique addition to the field of Chinese history.Open these pages to discover the great figures of Chinese history: Du Yu, the tamer of floods; Qin Shihuang, the First Emperor of China; Confucius, the great philosopher; Sima Qian, the great historian; and the unforgettable villain, Cao Cao. Tales from 5000 Years of Chinese History covers the history of China in an anecdotal fashion that makes each event come alive. Entertaining and informative, this ambitious narrative will enlighten all those who wish to know more about the chronicles of the Middle Kingdom.

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A delicate craft that has been handed down for thousands of years, bead embroidery was popular among the aristocrats in China's imperial courts and is an important part of modern haute couture, wedding dresses, and other accessories. A step-by-step guide to 25 unique embroidery designs, Bead Embroidery Chinese Style incorporates traditional Chinese design elements, including landscape paintings, bird and flower motifs, and famous poems. Projects are both beautiful and useful, and are simple enough for embroidery beginners. Readers will learn about: The different bead embroidery tools, techniques, and materials Over a dozen embroidery stitches for single-bead, multi-bead, free stitches, layered stitches, and more Small-scale embroidery projects, including jewellery, coasters, pouches, and silk scarves More advanced projects, including makeup bags, lamp covers, and wall art. Author Han Yu is one of the world's leading experts on bead embroidery. She studied at the prestigious Ecole Lesage, part of Chanel's Metiers d'art, in Paris, and regularly produces pieces for Shanghai and Paris Fashion Weeks, state dignitaries, and celebrities.

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With fascinating commentary and beautiful artwork this Chinese art history book is allows Westerners to better understand traditional Chinese painting.Applying a comparative approach to Chinese and Western art, this art book examines the characteristics of traditional Chinese art and analyses the distinction between figure painting and portraiture. It examines the scenery in Chinese landscape painting and the sense of poetry within the paintings of flowers and birds so that the reader comes to understand the unique essence of Chinese art and is gradually led towards the evanescent world of spiritual abstraction displayed in Chinese painting. The development of Chinese painting is based upon the pursuit of the conceptual sense (yijing) found in traditional Chinese philosophy and classical literature. Confucianism determined the content of the development of painting and Daoism guided the concept of aestheticism within that development. In the history of Chinese art, every painter who made a contribution was also moral philosopher who sought the realms of the spirit. It would be no exaggeration to say that traditional Chinese painting is a "higher art" that has the functions of both civilizing the person and cultivating the mind. It is not simply a creation designed to satisfy the visual sense or to express individual emotion. It has always been harmonious, tranquil and restrained.

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With dozens of stunning photographs, this modern translation of a Classic text is a masterpiece of classical Chinese gardening.Ji Cheng's great work on garden design, the Yuan Ye or Craft of Gardens, was originally published around 1631 and is the earliest manual of landscape gardening in the Chinese tradition. This is the first complete English translation of Ji Cheng's seminal work. This Chinese gardening book is based on J Cheng's notes and experiences from his career as a garden designer, which he discusses at some length in his introduction> Since architecture is an integral part of the Chinese garden, much of the book is taken up with the design of different types of buildings and the integration of architecture with nature in the garden. Ji Cheng explains the religious and aesthetic principles underlying garden design and the appropriate emotional response to various effects. he then offers a down-to-earth series of instructions about the requirements of different types of sites, building layouts, architectural features, paving, the construction of artificial mountains, selection of rocks, and the use of natural scenery.This delightful book provides not only insights into Chinese gardening but also a unique perspective on Chinese culture and society in the late Ming dynasty. Full notes by the translator explain obscure points and introduce relevant aspects of Chinese culture, while an introduction by Maggie Keswick sets the book firmly in its historical context. Illustrations include not only Ji Cheng's original diagrams but also historical paintings and contemporary photographs of a number of outstanding gardens in the part of East China where Ji Cheng lived and worked.

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The Chinese decorating art, in myriad media—bronze, ceramics, silk, embroidery, lacquer, jade, enamel, gold, and silver—and of carving and sculpture, is an ageless tradition of exquisite craftsmanship. Its evolution since ancient times was driven not only by the expanding use of materials available, but advances in technology. The understated elegance of Chinese aesthetics in arts and crafts, both functional and decorative, has in many ways influenced the development of the Chinese cultural identity, becoming emblematic of Chinese civilization in its worldwide dispersion. This concise history, complete and lucidly accessible, captures this millennia-old tradition, from the Neolithic Age to the late Qing when the last imperial reign unraveled, and the rise and evolution of its various forms, tracing the chronology of Chinese dynasties. Well researched and richly illustrated with more than 200 artefacts, it offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of Chinese aesthetics in the context of changing societies, reflecting the underlying qualities of the Chinese mind and a cultural heritage that endured uninterruptedly through millennia.

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A long time ago, hundreds of birds lived on the Cangwu Mountain where they experienced four distinct seasons. Among them, there is a very unnoticeable brown bird called Phoenix. All birds except Phoenix fly to the largest lake in the mountain every day. They comb their feathers by the lake and compete to see whose feathers are more beautiful. Phoenix doesn’t like to attend such gatherings; instead, she collects food quietly to get ready for the winter. However, all the other birds make fun of her hard work. Unexpectedly, the coldest winter comes earlier than usual. Those birds who only care about their looks have to go out to find their food in the cold wind and heavy snow. They are almost starving to death due to the sudden shortage of food, but the kind Phoenix does not hesitate to share her food with her friends to tide over the difficulties. The cold winter is finally over, and spring has come. To thank Phoenix for saving their lives, the birds have prepared a mysterious gift for her. What is the gift then? Read the story and find out how the ordinary brown bird has transformed herself into the Queen of birds in Chinese myths.

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This book unites Chinese and Western embroidery techniques to create gorgeous practical beadwork jewelry with floral elements that are rich in Chinese culture. The projects range from simple to difficult, giving you a basic yet comprehensive grasp of bead embroidery, and teaching you how to create nearly twenty pieces of unique bead embroidery jewelry to embellish your daily outfits. With this book, you will: ·Master the use of bead embroidery tools, understand the characteristics of different bead embroidery materials, and get started easily. ·Acquire rich hand sewing and hook needle techniques, including more than 20 techniques to lay a solid foundation for making beaded jewelry. ·Learn to embroider nearly 20 different kinds of flowers using a combination of bead embroidery techniques through illustrated tutorials, and make jewelry that incorporates Chinese aesthetics, including earrings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, hairbands, and clutch bags, bringing the art of bead embroidery into your daily life. ·Experience the beauty of beaded flowers from a Chinese aesthetic perspective, to broaden your creativity and inspire you.

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Normality today is to be enslaved by the material world to the point where individual happiness has not kept pace with increasing material prosperity. Have we lost our original nature in the pursuit of the external material world? Wang Yangming’s School of Mind of nearly 500 years ago teaches us how to overcome external circumstances and seek the source of the great strength that lies in our innermost being. Wang Yangming’s School of Mind is a gathering together of the achievements of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. It is one of the most representative and influential strands of Chinese philosophical thought and proposes that “conscience” is a cosmic prime principle innate in man that transcends all living things. The lifelong realization and practice of conscience is the only path towards self-fulfillment and perfection of character. This book uses Wang Yangming’s principles of “Mind is Principle,” “the unity of knowledge and action,” and “the exercise of conscience” to describe the School of Mind in simple terms to enable you to understand your own original self and go on a journey of self-cultivation that will gain you a kind of inner freedom and strength.

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Grandpa builds a beautiful little vegetable garden, but a big ugly rock is in the way. He digs it with a shovel. Thinking that it is as big as a car, he decides to bypass it when planting vegetables. Grandma nearly trips over the rock when watering the seedlings, so she digs it with a shovel. Thinking that it is as big as a house, she decides to walk across it when she is there. Papa stumbles over the rock when he is going to trim the seedlings, so he digs it with a shovel. Thinking that it is as big as an airplane, he decides to let it stay. Mama is worried about her sons tripping over the rock, so she digs it with a shovel. Thinking that it is as big as a mountain, she decides to keep her sons out of the vegetable garden.One day, the two brothers see the big rock and decide to dig it out together. Both their grandparents and parents tell them to give it up, because the rock can be bigger than they ever imagine. However, in just one afternoon, the two brothers dig out the rock successfully. It is not as big as they think.Sometimes the things in front of us are not as simple as they look.

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The word penjing can be roughly translated from the Chinese as "potted scenery." It is the original, older form of the art of bonsai. Penjing aims to embody entire natural scenes within individual works. Penjing is sometimes described as Chinese landscape painting in three dimensions. It aims to make viewers feel as though they were really in nature, contemplating the ripples on the surface of a lake or sheltering from the sun in the shade of a tree. It is an art form that is still, yet full of dynamic energy, embodying the natural beauty of trees, stones, and water. The book gives detailed guidance and instruction to those who wish to create a vivid miniature landscape of their own. It also describes the creation process of several outstanding examples of forest penjing, with accompanying photographs from each stage of their “journey” towards completion.Meant for beginners and experts alike, the information and techniques outlined in this book can help sow the seed of a new love for penjing or to refine the craft of a seasoned penjing designer.

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Gua sha is a traditional Chinese therapy for expelling toxin and preventing diseases. A simple scraping plate coupled with oil, when applied to the body repeatedly, can reach the effect of smoothing Qi and blood flow, stimulating main and collateral channels, expelling toxins and alleviating pain.This book explores the natural way of prevention and treatment through traditional Chinese medicine and explains the complete theories and practice for the treatment of over 100 ailments.Through Gua Sha Scraping Massage Techniques you will discover: 'The principles of gua sha.' Tools, ways, and techniques of gua sha. How to judge your own health status, prevent and tackle common ailments and achieve healthy complexion and physique through gua sha. How to prevent and cure various diseases through gua sha, such as chronic diseases, bone-joint diseases, male and female diseases, etc. Other tips for diet, massage and daily habits that combat illness and help build up your health.

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This beautifully illustrated multicultural children's book tells the story of two young brothers and a magical dog in both English and Chinese.Once upon a time, at the foot of the mountains called Zhongnan in the Shaanxi Province of China, there were two brothers who lived alone and depended on each other. One day, the elder one dug out a bronze dog while tilling which made the brothers very happy, as they could sell it for money. But unexpectedly, the bronze dog suddenly got bigger and swallowed the elder brother. Having seen this, the younger one rushed to find a hammer, intending to smash the bronze dog to save his brother. In order not to be destroyed, the bronze dog promised to give the young boy three gifts which he wanted most. But he told the dog he would rather ask for nothing but his brother. The bronze dog was deeply moved by the love between the two brothers, so it spat the elder one out and magically turned into a real dog. Luckily, the brothers got a new companion, and all of them lived happily ever after.Other books in the Chinese Zodiac Series (as well as the year of that animal) include: Little Pigs and the Sweet Rice Cakes—2007 & 2019 Magical Rooster—2005 & 2017 Water Dragon—2012 & 2024 Little Monkey King's Journey—2016 & 2028 Snake Goddess Colors the World—2013 & 2025 Horse and the Mysterious Drawing—2014 & 2026 Sheep Beauty—2015 & 2027 Little Rat and the Golden Seed—2008 & 2020 Little Calf—2009 & 2021

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This beautifully illustrated multicultural children's book tells a story about the Asia's most famous leader—his childhood and legacy.By the Onon River in the hinterland of Eurasia, Temujin (Genghis Khan) was born in a harmonious family of a tribal chief on Mongolian territory where the vast blue sky seemed to merge with the grasslands. At the age of nine, tragedy strikes the family when his father was murdered. In the aftermath, tribe members abandon his family and even steal their domestic animals. To survive, Temujin's mother takes him and his younger brother to pick wild pears and they fish by drilling holes on the ice-frozen river. This hard life strengthens the bonds of love within the family, enabling Temujin to become a bright and courageous child. Confronting the disintegrated tribes and continuous wars on the Mongolian grassland, Temujin was determined to bring peace and a comfortable place for his family to live. He becomes known as Genghis Khan after unifying a majority of the tribes there. Throughout his life, he fought in over 60 wars and won almost all his battles except a strategic retreat because his forces were out-numbered. He established an expansive empire across Eurasia, and brought political stability to the Silk Road which increased trade and communication between the East and the West.

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This beautifully illustrated multicultural children's book tells a classical Chinese myth in both English and Chinese.Long long ago, the world was a colorless, gray place. It had stayed that way for thousands of years. People never expected anything different until one day, the colorful Snake Goddess, Nuwa, fell from the sky. She was determined to bring color and beauty to the gray nothingness of the earth, but all the colors kept running out through a giant hole in the sky. To fix the hole and bring color to the world, Nuwa would have journey near and far to find the five magical colored stones that were her only hope for fixing the sky. Join the Snake Goddess on her journey to bring color to a desolate world!Other books in the Chinese Zodiac Series (as well as the year of that animal) include: Little Pigs and the Sweet Rice Cakes—2007 & 2019 Magical Rooster—2005 & 2017 Water Dragon—2012 & 2024 Little Monkey King's Journey—2016 & 2028 Horse and the Mysterious Drawing—2014 & 2026 Sheep Beauty—2015 & 2027 Bronze Dog—2006 & 2018 Little Rat and the Golden Seed—2008 & 2020 Little Calf—2009 & 2021

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Learn to wrap and loop paper to make adorable animals—from galloping horses to mighty dragons.Paper quilling is an ancient art form which uses the elasticity and flexibility of paper strips to create seemingly complex designs. By forming basic coils, you can create your own lively menagerie.This book includes: 24 animal projects An introduction to the art of paper quilling Information about the 12 animals of the zodiac, Chinese culture and relevant Chinese folktales Straightforward, step-by-step instructions that allow room for creativity and use basic quilling tools These delicate and unique works of art can be used to decorate cards and gifts, or be framed and hung as artwork in your home.

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In these charming volumes, Little Mei asks her grandfather about each of the four different Chinese celebrations represented.He tells her the stories of Nian and the monster Xi (Chinese New Year); Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet who loved his kingdom (Dragon Boat Festival); the Jade Emperor of Heaven who ordered the earth to be destroyed by fire (Lantern Festival); and Hou Yi who shot down the suns (Mid-Autumn Festival). In Celebrating the Chinese New Year, Little Mei wants to know why her family celebrates the Chinese New Year. All her family members have their own reasons, but it is Grandpa who tells her the story of Nian and monster Xi.

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Open up this book and find a fun, interactive way for kids to learn more about Chinese art and symbolism!Each two-page spread highlights a Chinese ceramic artifact, pulled from a museum collection. On the left-hand side, a photo of the piece, its history and any hidden symbols that are important in Chinese culture. On the right-hand side, a pop-out puzzle with 25 pieces that—when put together—shows a close-up of the artwork featured on the adjacent ceramic artifact.The patterns include daring dragons, elegant cranes and beautiful roses, among many other plants and animals. Kids will have fun finding and identifying all of the wildlife and mythical creatures painted on the ancient ceramic.For example: Dragons, the most sacred animal in Chinese culture, symbolize good luck and power. Deer represent good luck. One hundred deer is a wish for peace and happiness. An art form for many millennia, Chinese ceramics have been shipped around the world since the establishment of trade routes. Porcelain is so closely associated with the country, that it is still called "china" in everyday English. Children can develop their thinking and motor skills while also learning about important symbolism in China. This beautiful book will provide entertainment for kids and their parents—and both will come away having learned something new!

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Aroma''s Little Garden is a beautifully written novel that explores what it is like for a little girl to grow up in 20th century Shanghai, China.Aroma is an imaginative little girl who is in touch with nature. A dancing sunflower grows in the garden that she has planted and tended but nobody really believes that it can actually dance. Not her schoolmates and not the neighbors''. This causes her trouble at school and we watch as she grapples with these problems and attempts to retain her pride. Auntie Mai wants her to be like other children and not a wild child and her father tries to guide her through the pitfalls of growing up. Along the way and as she dawdles to school there are encounters with people, situations and nature itself; the handsome beetle at the side of the road, the street seller of egg rolls who teaches her how to make them and the terrifying old neighbour, grandfather of Duidui, her best friend. In Aroma''s Little Garden, Aroma is

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Learn how the clever Little Rat earned his place as one of the Chinese Zodiac Animals.This adorable Chinese-English bilingual children's book tells the story of the Little Rat and the Grandpa—unlikely allies who embark on an adventure to find a golden seed. They encounter rough seas, fierce guards and tall mountains, but—in the end—bring home a golden rice seed and save the village from going hungry.Illustrated with unique Chinese ink paintings, this book also includes a "cultural explanation" section. Readers can reference a chart to learn the years of the rat and read more about common characteristics of people born then. Birth years include 2008 and 2020. Other books in the Chinese Zodiac Series (as well as the year of that animal) include: Little Pigs and the Sweet Rice Cakes—2007 & 2019 Magical Rooster—2005 & 2017 Water Dragon—2012 & 2024 Little Monkey King's Journey—2016 & 2028 Snake Goddess Colors the World—2013 & 2025 Horse and the Mysterious Drawing—2014 & 2026 Sheep Beauty—2015 & 2027 Bronze Dog—2006 & 2018 Little Calf—2009 & 2021

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This collection of five stories by celebrated contemporary Chinese novelist Pan Xiangli, gives a rich look into the lives of cosmopolitan women living in modern China.Pan's heroines exhibit strength of character, sense of humor, and integrity while retaining their grace, beauty, and feminine style. In love, they need no fairy tales. These women let go of traditional ideals while holding true to their individual desires and expectations. They dare to pursue love on their own terms, all the while maneuvering the changing landscape of work, lifestyle, and the city. Pan Xiangli writes with a keen eye towards the lifestyle, mindset, and cultural values of the modern Chinese woman. Her characters assert their womanly beauty as defined by confidence, willingness to face challenges, and the self-assuredness to pursue happiness—all while being stylish and charming. Her colorful portraits will no doubt leave a lasting impression on the reader.The Way of Her FragranesIn The Way of Her Fragrance, Li Sijin is a 30-something, lively, and successful deputy managing editor of Shanghais newspaper, The City Intelligencer. While her relentless passion and professionalism make her a star at the news bureau, her admiration for her boss Luo Yi and her personal sense of right and wrong often get the best of her. What will it take for Li Sijin to be true to herself and to find fulfilling happiness? White MicheliaThe young and sprightly Xu Yi has been assigned to attend her first writer's conference. There, she meets Ji Mengbei, who is intrigued by Xu Yi's simple serenity. In White Michelia, the two engage in a cautious, playful dance against the backdrop of their own experiences and anticipations. A Miracle Rides In on a SleighIn A Miracle Rides In on a Sleigh, a woman ponders her simple life as a housewife. She is content, well loved, and very comfortable. But she wonders about choice and possibilities of the past, present, and the future. Then one Christmas day, she finds out. Lady BossHan Xiaoyan works for the glamorous and successful Zhong Keming, who seems to have it all. But Han quickly learns that, behind every confident woman, life stories are complicated. As Han navigates some big decisions in her own life, her Lady Boss becomes a witness and an unexpected confidante. Listen to the NightA phone call catches "Miss Dream" off guard as she is taken on an unexpected journey to rediscover her past. The voice on the other end of the line goes alongside her as she slowly allows herself to face her present reality without giving up her memory of what was once true. In Listen to the Night, they both learn what it means to live in the present and to thrive after love and loss.

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The 17-Year-Old Hussars is a collection of two short novels about the coming of age for teenagers in rapidly-changing 20th century China.The teens depicted in the first part of the collection, The Seventeen-Year-Old Hussars, were the first lost generation of China as the country went through the biggest social revolution in modern history. Lucky to have missed the tumultuous Cultural Revolution days when the old value system had been castigated as feudal and retrogressive and when most of the schools were closed and only the selected few were allowed college education, they were nevertheless condemned to grow up in a virtual moral vacuum. Unable to get into college-tracked key high schools, they entered career-tracked technical schools, but the 40 "hussars" were still considered semi-losers, because their secured future employment would also doom them to a relatively low social status. You could almost feel the angst and pain of these foul-mouthed teenagers and their sense of loss through their rebellious behaviors and escapades. In contrast to the northern-most Chinese province Jilin, a rather unsophisticated location where the first collection took place, the second part Keep Running, Little Brother was set in Shanghai, the most cosmopolitan city of China. The locals with material wealth unmatched by the rest of the nation take their privileged status as a given and have a natural suspicion of all others who struggle to share this prosperity. The protagonist growing up in a rather well-to-do family, had to struggle to overcome his inner demons, to turn his life around. His was not a struggle for survival, as with the less fortunate ones, but a struggle more akin to someone who suffered from "affluenza," a social disease more prevalent not only among the young, but also among the old.

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In this story of intrigue, friendship and love, we follow two hustlers through Shanghai in the dynamic period shortly after China's reform and opening up.During that dynamic period shortly after reform and the opening up of China, two friends and their acquaintances struggle to not only survive but to thrive by running hustles throughout Shanghai. Friendship, love, and loyalty are ultimately tested when they embark on a scheme to rob a lucrative amount of money in the for of one check that becomes two, then three, and eventually four.Soon, the game that started as a sure thing becomes complicated with the involvement of different players and their agendas. A web of deceit is spun as everybody tries to capture the real check. Echoing the quick changing pace of modern China, the alliances the players form are broken and realigned again sometimes in the span of one night, a day, or a week as they realize that not all players are created equal and not all games have a clear winner.

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This hilarious and whimsical Chinese langauge book shows all the slang words that have entered the Chinese lexicon in the last few years. This compendium of hip, contemporary buzz words will amuse and delight those who want to know what people are talking about in China now. The book arose from a weekly column in the Shanghai Daily newspaper that introduced new Chinese words an slang. This compilation contains all the terms and phrases published in the "Buzzwords" column for the past four years. Each term is presented first in Chinese and then in pinyin. Then it's followed by its English translation and a short paragraph to explain its basic meaning and usage.

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Between Confidantes contains two novellas. Between Confidantesis a beautifully wrought and intriguing novel set amidst Shanghai's leafy plane trees and softly lit streets, recounting the story of a friendship torn apart by love and ambition. In Memory of the Departed, Chen Danyan takes the reader on an extraordinary journey through the complexities wrought by history on a mother, her daughter and their circle of friends in Shanghai during the tumultuous years between 1944 and 1978. The writer's depiction of the desperate search for meaning and happiness in a period of unpredictable change and conflict beyond the grasp of its victims, bring to life a devastating time in China's history as well as the difficulties and challenges of growing up and finding truth.

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For five travelers, a creative writing expedition through some of China’s most scenic landscapes becomes a voyage of personal discovery. As they make their way from the Fu River running through Sichuan’s ancient mountains to the famous Jiuzhaigou Valley, their personal stories unfold and intertwine. This is a story of lovers and rivals, fathers and daughters, legends and modern history.Author Zhu Lin’s lyrical descriptions paint an evocative picture of pine trees whispering in the mountains and sparkling mineral pools, a vivid backdrop for her distinctive characters. This novel captures the complex and sometimes disturbing experience of a changing society, and stands as a significant addition to the growing body of fiction exploring China’s recent past.

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Over thousands of years, the art of Chinese painting has evolved, while also staying loyal to its traditional roots. Despite various schools of thought, styles and techniques, three primary categories have emerged across the discipline: landscape, figure and bird-and-flower. Using fine ink and water brush strokes on paper or silk, Chinese artists have developed a unique style—one that's famous throughout the world.This book highlights 50 Chinese paintings, pulled from museum collections in China and around the world, including: British Museum, London Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas Osaka City Museum of Art, Osaka Palace Museum, Beijing Palace Museum, Taipei Shanghai Museum, Shanghai The paintings shown are representative of the categories, historical periods and styles of this artistic tradition.Detailed professional interpretations and notes allow readers to learn more about the pieces themselves, the artists and the context in which they were created. Plus, photo enlargements of key details get readers up close to these masterpieces. As one of the world's oldest continuous art forms, Chinese painting has a truly special history. This comprehensive guide allows modern readers to travel through time, experiencing important moments in Chinese history and society through beautiful pieces of artwork.

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With dozens of beautiful, original designs and detailed explanations, this Chinese paper cutting book is a great reference for beginners.Paper cutting is a popular papercraft in today's multicultural world, embracing a great variety of themes, designs and images. In China, its birthplace, it is regarded as an elegant traditional folk art. Chinese paper cuts reflect many aspects of life, including prosperity, health and the harvest. Paper cuts are typically used to decorate walls, windows and doors, or as patterns for embroidery and lacquer work. Rich in cultural tradition, with a long history of over 1,500 years, Chinese paper cutting was listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009.Easy to learn, paper cutting only requires paper and scissors which can be used to create a wide range of interesting paper cut outs. Instruction and inspiration can be found in The Beginner's Guide to Chinese Paper Cutting. This Chinese crafts book introduces all the basic elements of Chinese paper cutting, including the necessary preparation, basic techniques, simple practices and appreciation. The book's clear directions and illustrations will allow anyone to explore the art of paper cutting and start making their own works of art.

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Follow the author's brush through four seasons, creating your own bouquet of flowers. In this step-by-step guide you will find: The basic tools you'll need for watercolor painting Basic watercolor techniques, including proper brush grip, brush movement, applying paint, color mixing, layering and more Illustrated tutorials with clear steps for painting beautiful seasonal flowers in various styles. Inspirations for your work The 24 solar terms that have been passed down for millennia, along with traditional Chinese flower culture. Author and illustrator Lu He specializes in combining Western watercolors with the style of traditional Chinese ink. The resulting beautiful, soft look integrates shape and spirit, freestyle and tradition, luxury and quiet elegance. By following his instruction, you will be able to create blooming flowers of different styles, whether delicate, beautiful, bold or gentle.

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With readable and enternatining stories from China's past, this book is a unique addition to the field of Chinese history.Open these pages to discover the great figures of Chinese history: Du Yu, the tamer of floods; Qin Shihuang, the First Emperor of China; Confucius, the great philosopher; Sima Qian, the great historian; and the unforgettable villain, Cao Cao. Tales from 5000 Years of Chinese History covers the history of China in an anecdotal fashion that makes each event come alive. Entertaining and informative, this ambitious narrative will enlighten all those who wish to know more about the chronicles of the Middle Kingdom.

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