First Masterpiece of Chinese Painting : The Admonitions Scroll

McCausland (Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures, England), had helped organize an international forum in 2001 on this treasured scroll of classical Chinese art attributed to Gu Kaizhi (c. 344-c.406). Here he tours scenes illustrating the poem written in 292 entitled The Admonitions of the Instructress to the Court Ladies , interpreting its purpose, figures, calligraphy, exhibition history, and iconic status. Much of his text expands on the mores of behavior acted out by the figures in the scroll, created to admonish the viewer to right behavior. The volume is well illustrated, with color plates. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)