This book introduces readers to the history of design thinking in
pre-modern China. The content is structured according to successive
dynasties, covering the seven major periods of the pre-Qin, Qin and Han,
Wei and Jin, Sui and Tang, Song and Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Each
chapter introduces the most representative individuals of the period and
discusses their work and ideas in order to reveal the national and
cultural features of the respective periods. A distinctive feature of
cultural identity running through the long course of China's historical
development is the argument that actions are determined by ideas: Such a
view can be found in long-standing thinking on art, design, and
creativity. The book demonstrates that conscious design is the vital
link between the ideas that constitute human cultures and the physical
objects that make up their resulting material cultures. It is the
attribute of design that defines what it is to be human and also
produces the physical evidence of the evolution of Chinese civilization.
The book reveals the integrated characteristics of Chinese culture and
art and shows how both changing and recurring ideologies have influenced
Chinese design practice since the ancient Shang and Zhou dynasties and
how these forces have shaped the spirit and materiality of Chinese
civilization. Design is the cornerstone that has made China one of the
major contributors to human civilization throughout the thousands of
years of its history.
Given its focus, the book largely appeals to two main audiences: an
academic readership of students and researchers interested in cultural
studies and, a more general one, consisting of those interested in
international comparisons and wishing to learn more about Chinese
history, society, and culture. In order to appeal to both, the book is
written in a clear and accessible language.
