china: tang & song dynasties - dolgeville central · pdf filecalligrapy porcelain
TRANSCRIPT
Tang Dynasty: 618-907CE
United ChinaBuilt a vast empire
The capital was at XianVietnam, Korea, & Tibet become tributary states
A tributary state is independent, but China is the supreme power and these states must pay a tribute ($$$) to China
Tang Government
Guided by Confucian idealsEmphasis on social order ensures stability
duty, rank, proper behavior
Skilled governmentRevive the civil service exam system (begun by the Han Dynasty)Difficult exams stressed Confucian thoughtHighly educated ruling class
Song Dynasty: 960-1279CE
Golden AgeLandscape paintingCalligraphyliterature
Conquered by Mongols in 1279Invaders from the north
Tang & Song Social Structure
Social pyramid:Gentry
Rich landownersSome are civil servants
PeasantsMajority of populationfarmers
MerchantsSome are richLow in status because their $$ comes from the work of others
Status of womenMany have authorityManage family finances and run householdBoys still have higher value than girlsOnce married, girls became part of their husband’s family
Could never remarry
Tang & Song Contributions
EconomicLand reform: redistributes land to peasantsLandowners have less power & peasants pay taxesCanalsTrade expands (India, Persia, MidEast)Paper $$$
Art & LitPoetry (Li Bo) & short storyBlock printingLandscapingCalligrapyPorcelainArchitecture
Pagoda = temple w/ roof that curves up at the corners
So what?
What is used today from the Tang & Song period?Chinese culture will influence Japan’s developmentMore evidence proving the dynastic cycle