This second volume of the book A History of Chinese Art and Design systematically analyzes the development of design art from the Song, Liao, Jin, and Western Xia Dynasties to the 20th century, focusing on the design history of various traditional and modern fields, such as bronze ware, dyeing and weaving, clothing, ceramics, jade artifacts, carving, vehicles and ships, bridges, architecture, gardens, furniture, and printing and dissemination. It draws on extensive historical materials and critically analyzes the features and design thoughts in archeological artifacts and historical documents across different dynasties. In this way, it not only provides rich content that enables readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the overall landscape of Chinese design history during this period but also delves deeply into the unique cultural forms and concepts of Chinese design, offering readers a panoramic view of the tradition of Chinese design. To date, it remains the most systematic and comprehensive book on Chinese design art history. It has been widely cited by researchers in the field of art and design history and adopted as a textbook by numerous universities across China.

Yanjing Xia is a distinguished professor of Art Studies at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. His research focuses on Chinese art history and art theory. He has published more than 100 journal articles and authored 15 books, including Chinese Classical Art Theory System (2017), Form and New Horizons in Art History Theory (2018), Academic Standards and Methodology in Art Studies (2021), and A History of Modern and Contemporary Chinese Art Studies (2011). He has held several significant academic appointments and serves on major national committees, including the Academic Committee of Art Studies of the State Council, the standing committee of the Chinese Literature and Art Critics’ Association, and the standing committee of the China Artists Association.