Chinese craft design excelled in the manipulation of geometric space and reached its highest point in the design of window lattices on Chinese houses. Long recognized as an important folk art; window lattices have been generally neglected as an art form and this book is the first work on the subject since the 17th century. Fortunately; it is also the definitive work on the subject; and though no book can present a complete coverage of Chinese lattice; this book is a great classic study and an incredibly rich source of design for Westerners.More than 1200 designs are shown here; arranged in a clear system of classification that includes 22 areas of related design mdash; borders; brackets; tail pieces; and so on. The lattices are classified according to one basic figure or concept; and the hundreds of beautiful design variations fall into only 26 categories: parallelogram; octagon or octagon square; hexagon; single focus frames; double focus frames; triple focus frames; quintuple focus frames; no focus frames; wedge-lock; presentation; out-lock; in-out bound; the Han line; parallel waves; opposed waves; recurving wave; loop-continued; like swastikas (a Buddhist symbol); unlike swastikas; central Ju I; allover Ju I; S-scroll; U-scroll; rustic ice-ray; symmetrical ice-ray; and square and round. Each category is introduced in sections at the front. In addition; there is usually a short description for each design and every design is designated by name; location; and approximate date of construction.Professor Dye spent over 21 years studying and copying lattices all over China; and because of the ravages of time and changing cultural values; this collection can probably never be duplicated. Balanced; intricate; sometimes asymmetrical; usually harmonious; these lattice designs present a wealth of material for the Western commercial artist; textile designer; pattern-maker; and craftsman. Reflecting their Chinese heritage; these designs are universal and can be used almost anywhere.
#938592 in eBooks 2012-12-03 2012-12-03File Name: B00A3ZDZ2C
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ... I can draw my friends and I in a coolBy GhanAmerican2Now I can draw my friends and I in a cool picture5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Good place to start; but is half the book for half the priceBy Pinkrose064The books in this series have exactly half the number of pages as a book from Harts Manga for the Beginner and Manga Mania series; which is why they are half the price. If youre short on cash and want to start learning how to draw; the Draw Manga Now series does seem to be a good place to start. However; I dont think Id recommend it if you already have multiple books from the Manga for the Beginner and Manga Mania series; as these books (or at least this one); seem to be a collection of lessons from those other books that are combined to focus on a more specific topic. As I already have five Chris Hart books and have read others; it seemed like many of the lessons in this book were ones I had already read. I originally purchased it because I was hoping it might give a more in-depth explanation on what types of personalities go well together in a story; but it doesnt. Again; its a good place to start if you dont currently own any other Chris Hart books; are short on cash; and want to learn how to draw in the manga/anime style; but overall; I think the Manga for the Beginner and Manga Mania series make for better resources.