This lavishly illustrated book surveys China's immense wealth of arts, architecture, and artifacts from Neolithic and Bronze Age China to the era of the Tang Dynasty. It is the first in a major three-volume series on the arts of China.

"William Watson's sumptuous new book presents a comprehensive account of the arts of China to the end of the Tang dynasty. The book combines fine scholarship with reproductions of the latest archaeological finds, images of objects in Western museums, and good maps and diagrams...This is a richly illustrated and thoughtful history that will reward the reader new to Chinese art as well as the more seasoned devotee." Candace J. Lewis, New Asia Review "The reader will find nearly four hundred of the objects and monuments that narrate the history of Chinese art, and one will also learn more about Chinese ceramics and metalwork than is available in most comparable surveys. Moreover, one will learn all of this through beautifully written prose." Nancy Shatzman Steinhardt, China Review International "This is a rich book...Keen readers should not neglect the footnotes, which often contain useful information and interesting analysis. The glossary and bibliography are set in both western and Chinese scripts, which makes life much easier for students." Wang Tao, Art Newspaper Winner of a Choice 1996 Outstanding Academic Book Award