Yuan (Yüan) dynasty (1279-1368)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
In 1271, Kublai Khan, fifth Khan of the Mongol Empire, declared himself emperor of a new dynasty in China, the Da Yuan or Great Origin, and went on to defeat the Song dynasty over the course of the next several years. The last Song emperor died in 1279, and the Yuan dynasty reunited China after the division of the Song.
Zhou dynasty (c. 1050 BCE-256 BCE)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Zhou dynasty is divided into the Western Zhou (1050-771 BCE) and Eastern Zhou (771-256 BCE). The Eastern Zhou is further divided into the Spring and Autumn period (722-481 BCE) and the Warring States period (403-221 BCE).
Shang (c. 1600 BCE - c. 1050 BCE)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Prior to the discovery of archaeological evidence of Shang culture in the 20th century, it was believed by many, especially in the West, to be a mythical rather than factual period of Chinese history. The Shang is divided into three stages: Erlitou (pre-1600 BCE), Erligang (c. 1600-1300 BCE), and Yinxu (c.
Six Dynasties (220-589 CE)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The three kingdoms of Wu, Wei, and Shu were eventually united into the Jin dynasty, one of the nearly thirty dynasties and small kingdoms that made up what is referred to as the "Six Dynasties" (220-589 CE). This was a period of upheaval and great change, and China would not be unified again until the Sui dynasty.
1992.7.8 George W. Shiebler, Grass sardine server
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
With a grass-shaped handle and a spatula formed by a cluster of fish, this sardine server reflects the influence of metalwork of Meiji period Japan, characterized by a fusion of naturalism and functionalism, as well as the innovation of designer George Shiebler.
Mezzotint (printmaking)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Mezzotints were developed in the 17th century as a means to produce a full tonal scale from black to white. Rather than making individual marks on a plate, the artist first covers the matrix with consistent texture using a rocker, a wide flat tool with a curved end covered with tiny spikes. If inked and printed at this intermediary stage, the textured plate would produce a solid dark image.
Linocut (printmaking)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Linocuts, a form of relief printing, originate from a sheet of linoleum, a material invented in the mid-19th century by mixing various materials with solidified linseed oil.