Picture Chinese: Art as Language

by Sukming Lo

This fascinating book features over three hundred original full-color illustrations-each one depicting the pictographic and artistic origins of a particular Chinese character. It shows how ancient Chinese pictures were derived from actual images and events, gives examples of their use, function, and shared and unique characteristics, and illustrates how the ideas, patterns, and shapes they represent are at the root of the Chinese written language as we know it today. By examining Chinese characters in this way, one gains a deeper understanding and appreciation for the artistic foundations of written Chinese.

Paperback

First published April 1, 2007

Reviews

[Chelsea]

This is a great book for anyone who is just starting to learn Chinese characters and their origins. I loved it and think it should be a book owned by any non native Chinese speaker.