The heaven has time, the earth has vitality, material has beauty, work has ingenuity. Chinese arts and crafts enjoy a unique reputation in the history of material civilization among various nations in the world. For several thousands of years, people’s handicrafts in their development echoed with the rhythm of life working with the rising sun and reposing at sunset. All species of handicrafts in their earliest states are related to usage: always practical, plain and warm, and in possession of a wisdom that adapts to agricultural civilization. Even the high end handicrafts at the court and among the literati, such unpretentious tradition still remain and reveal a touch of pragmatic trace. All this is associated with the everlasting farming culture of China and her exceptional geographical position, which has left us rich cultural heritage in which wisdom of life and human creation is contained. 

About Autho

Hang Jian, born 1961, Ph. D., vice president of China Academy of Art, curator of the National Art Museum of China. Graduated from Department of Art History, Central Academy of Arts, he was once editor-in-chief of the Decoration Journal； director of Department of Art History, Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University； managing deputy director of Cheung Kong School of Arts and Design, Shantou University； senior visiting scholar to College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, Cornell University, USA. His writings include Design, Way of Design Basic Problems in Chinese Design, A History of Chinese Technology Aesthetics, The Idea of Craftsmanship, New Figural Art, Art Dimensions, Wisdom of the Body Spiritual Landscape of Contemporary Chinese Oil Paintings, A History of Chinese Technology Aesthetic Ideology, etc.
Guo Qiuhui, born 1979, Doctor of Design Art, graduated from Department of Art History, currently postdoctoral researcher with Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University. Writings include Chinese Arts and Crafts (written jointly), Chasing the Sun’s Light and Reflection (compiled jointly).

Foreword
History and Background of the Traditional Arts and Crafts of China
Arts and Crafts during the Primitive Society
Arts and Crafts during the Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties
Arts and Crafts during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period
Arts and Crafts during the Qin and Han Dynasties
Arts and Crafts during the Six Dynasties
Arts and Crafts during the Sui, Tang and Five Dynasties
Arts and Crafts during the Song, Liao, Jin and Yuan Dynasties
Arts and Crafts during the Ming-Qing Dynasties and Republic of China
Arts and Crafts in the Field of Utensil
Ceramics
Bronze Ware
Lacquer
Arts and Crafts in the Field of Appareler
Embroidery
Printing and Dyeing
Silk Weaving
Arts and Crafts in the Field of Furnishings
Furniture
Gold and Silver Ware, Glassware, Enamelware
Bamboo Carving, Wood Carving, Ivory Carving
Arts and Crafts in the Field of Adornment
Jade Artwork
Paper-cut
New Year Picture
Arts and Crafts in the Field of Entertainment
Toy
Kite
Puppet
Silhouette
Arts and Crafts in the Field of Commerce
Shop Sign
Packaging
Legends concerning Traditional Arts and Crafts of China
The Transition and Development of Traditional Chinese Arts and Crafts at the Present Age