A Historic and Aesthetic Comparison Analysis of Greek "Dark Age" Geometric Pottery and Chinese Ritual Bronzes
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Jingwen Zhang
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This study undertakes a comparative analysis of sampled Greek geometric pottery and Eastern Zhou bronze vessels, highlighting aesthetic parallels despite the civilizations' geographical and cultural separation. Through a comparative material and aesthetic analysis grounded in an investigation of their isolated cultural and socio-economic contexts, the paper reveals how each tradition reflects the unique developments of the disparate societies which produced these items. Despite a lack of direct interaction and the historical challenge of Eurocentrism in scholarship, this analysis bridges a gap in comparative studies, highlighting the intricate ways in which shifts in power, social hierarchy, and economic strategies are mirrored in ancient artistry. The investigation, enriched by a review of archaeological and art historical scholarship, sheds light on the profound, yet distinct, impacts of each civilization's milieu on their artistic expressions. This comparative approach not only bridges historiographical divides but also invites a re-evaluation of ancient artistic narratives, suggesting new approaches and methodologies to the study of ancient aesthetics and culture.
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Authors
Jingwen Zhang
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