Picturing the True Form: Daoist Visual Culture in Traditional China (Harvard East Asian Monographs)

Name: Picturing the True Form: Daoist Visual Culture in Traditional China (Harvard East Asian Monographs)
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Book Synopsis: Picturing the True Form investigates the long-neglected visual culture of Daoism, China’s primary indigenous religion, from the tenth through thirteenth centuries with references to both earlier and later times. In this richly illustrated book, Shih-Shan Susan Huang provides a comprehensive mapping of Daoist images in various media, including Dunhuang manuscripts, funerary artifacts, and paintings, as well as other charts, illustrations, and talismans preserved in the fifteenth-century Daoist Canon. True form (zhenxing), the key concept behind Daoist visuality, is not static, but entails an active journey of seeing underlying and secret phenomena. This book’s structure mirrors the two-part Daoist journey from inner to outer. Part I focuses on inner images associated with meditation and visualization practices for self-cultivation and longevity. Part II investigates the visual and material dimensions of Daoist ritual. Interwoven through these discussions is the idea that the inner and outer mirror each other and the boundary demarcating the two is fluid. Huang also reveals three central modes of Daoist symbolism—aniconic, immaterial, and ephemeral—and shows how Daoist image-making goes beyond the traditional dichotomy of text and image to incorporate writings in image design. It is these particular features that distinguish Daoist visual culture from its Buddhist counterpart.

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Step into a world of mystical beauty with "Picturing the True Form: Daoist Visual Culture in Traditional China." Delve into the rich visual culture of Daoism, China's ancient indigenous religion, exploring captivating images dating back to the tenth century. From Dunhuang manuscripts to intricate paintings, this book by Shih-Shan Susan Huang offers a comprehensive journey through the sacred artistry of Daoist tradition.

Unveil the hidden meanings behind Daoist imagery as you embark on a visual adventure that transcends time and space. Experience the transformative power of true form (zhenxing), a dynamic concept that reveals the essence of Daoist visuality. Discover how this notion of 'true form' invites you to perceive the world in a new light, unlocking hidden secrets and mysteries that lie beneath the surface.

Immerse yourself in the dual realms of inner meditation and external ritual with this meticulously researched volume. Huang's exploration of Daoist symbolism sheds light on the nuanced interplay between the aniconic, immaterial, and ephemeral elements of Daoist artistry. As you navigate through the intricate tapestry of Daoist visual culture, you'll gain a deeper understanding of its unique symbolism and artistic expressions.

Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and enlightenment with "Picturing the True Form." Revel in the beauty of Daoist visual culture and uncover the profound wisdom encoded in each image. Whether you're a scholar of Chinese art or simply intrigued by the mystique of ancient traditions, this book offers a gateway to a world of spiritual insight and visual splendor.

Discover the Daoist legacy through captivating imagery - Get your copy now!

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