The Chinese Theory of Art

Lin Yutang. The Chinese Theory of Art. Heinemann, 1967.

Lin Yutang's The Chinese Theory of Art presents a comprehensive, historically ordered anthology of primary Chinese texts on art, challenging prior fragmented approaches to translation and interpretation. The central argument posits that a coherent, evolving tradition of art theory exists within Chinese thought, discernible through a careful selection and translation of key texts from the 6th century BC to the 18th century AD. Lin advocates for a translation philosophy that prioritises meaning and context over literal, syllable-by-syllable rendering, specifically critiquing what he terms "monosyllabitis" in earlier scholarship. For instance, he renders ch'i-yün sheng-tung as "rhythmic vitality," arguing this captures the aesthetic essence more accurately than a literal dissection.

The collection highlights recurring aesthetic concepts and a shared vocabulary across centuries of Chinese art discourse, such as the "idea before the brush" doctrine and the significance of inner nature (li) versus outward form. Lin also critically re-evaluates established historical divisions, notably arguing that the distinction between the Northern and Southern Schools of Chinese painting is historically overstated and often based on inconsistent criteria. He suggests that such divisions often reduce to personal taste rather than factual stylistic differences, proposing alternative descriptors like "impressionist" and "expressionist" to characterise techniques. The book thus serves to consolidate and clarify the historical trajectory and theoretical underpinnings of Chinese art, making it accessible whilst maintaining scholarly rigour.

This work contributes significantly to the wiki's Domain V — Philosophy by offering a foundational understanding of Chinese aesthetic thought, particularly concerning the visual arts. It underscores the importance of Judgement and Selection in both artistic creation and appreciation, echoing the wiki's emphasis on discerning taste and considered choice. The recurring themes of inner nature, the "idea before the brush," and the pursuit of "rhythmic vitality" resonate with broader discussions of Beauty and the cultivation of Attention in aesthetic experience. Lin Yutang's meticulous approach to translation and his critical engagement with established art historical narratives provide a model for rigorous inquiry into aesthetic principles, informing the wiki's own editorial Restraint and dedication to clarity. The anthology implicitly supports the idea of The Education of Taste by presenting a historical lineage of critical thought, demonstrating how aesthetic understanding develops through engagement with a tradition.