There are a few obvious elements of Chinese art that intrigue me. (1) the level of art produced given its antiquity, and (2) why it was created. The simplest reason for any Chinese art was to glorify the emperor, considered a deity and therefore, worthy of the best efforts in all arts, just as Western art has been produced for centuries referencing religion.

The quality of the large paintings on silk, some dating back to a millennium B.C. is amazing. And the continuity of the imagery, closely following "party lines" through the successive dynasties tells much about reverence for tradition.

As noted in the didactics accompanying the show, the Chinese did not view mankind as the greatest life form on earth, but simply one of many animals. The imagined qualities of animals and birds were imbued with human the attributes such as courage, grace, justice, knowledge, etc. , which the sitting emperor must be said to have.

Yep! I carefully considered each of these pieces, loving every educational minute. Then I even took time in the Reading Room at the end of the exhibit to do a little independent exploration .

It was not all awe. Check out the Chinese version of bears.