How do landscape paintings convey the values and ideas of Chinese culture?
A. Landscape paintings show chaotic, unhappy culture.
B. Landscape paintings reveal the importance of natural history to the Chinese.
C. Landscape paintings show that Chinese desire to live in simple harmony with nature.
D. Landscape paintings reveal nothing about Chinese culture.
C. Landscape paintings show that Chinese desire to live in simple harmony with nature. The traditional Chinese landscape painting style involves creating balance and harmony through the use of brush strokes and composition, and often portrays a serene natural scene with mountains, waterfalls, and trees. This reflects the idea in Chinese culture that living in harmony with nature is an important value.
Why might a newly-married Chinese couple receive the gift of a scroll painted with peonies?
A. Peonies represent wishes of a long life.
B. Peonies represent wishes of wealth and prosperity.
C. There is no meaning behind the image; it is simply aesthetically pleasing.
D. Peonies are a good-luck charm.
B. Peonies represent wishes of wealth and prosperity. In Chinese culture, peonies are symbolic of prosperity, honor, and wealth. They are often used in wedding ceremonies and given as gifts to newlyweds wishing them a prosperous and successful life together. The imagery of peonies can also be seen in other contexts, such as on textiles and pottery.
Chinese artists often express their philosophies using calligraphy. Which is the best definition of philosophy?
A. a complex idea
B. a religion
C. a way of practicing creativity
D. a system of guiding principles
D. a system of guiding principles. Philosophy is a broad term that refers to a branch of study concerned with developing a system of thought or a set of guiding principles. Philosophies can cover a wide range of topics, including ethics, politics, metaphysics, and epistemology. Chinese artists often express their personal philosophies and beliefs through calligraphy by using particular symbols and strokes that convey specific meanings.
Which is the correct definition of the term ratio?
A. an amount of one thing in relation to another
B. a special mathematical number
C. a set length of time
D. a special mathematical tool