This book explores how prehistoric aesthetic consciousness of the Chinese nation evolved from animality and barbarism, how it was epitomized in prehistoric artifacts, and most importantly, how this aesthetic consciousness has exerted an ever-lasting influence upon the Chinese mind and culture, by examining prehistoric archaeological discoveries, particularly pottery objects, jade ware, and rock paintings from prehistoric cultures, and by studying ancient Chinese historical and literary documents. This is the first academic effort to trace the very beginning of the aesthetic consciousness of the Chinese nation back to prehistoric times. Its strength lies in the comprehensive and detailed examination of all the major prehistoric cultures and artifacts as well as in its insights into the relationship between prehistoric consciousness and the Chinese mind and culture. This book benefits graduate students and researchers who are interested in Chinese prehistoric culture and Chinese history of aesthetics.
