Tales from the Land of Dragons: 1,000 Years of Chinese Painting

"The masterpieces of Chinese painting over the past millenniumUculled from the extensive collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, BostonUare lucidly presented in this scholarly and beautifully illustrated catalogue. The pieces discussed range from historical allegories from the 1st century A.D., to breathtaking 12th century landscapes, to precisely observed animal scenes from the era of the Yuan DynastyUthe finest examples of the world's oldest continuing painting tradition. Also considered are the relationships between Chinese painting and other forms of artUparticularly calligraphy, which was central to traditional Chinese culture. An informed and comprehensive introduction by scholar Wu Tung sets the works in their historical and social contexts."