Heart of China

"A City of Cathay," China's most famous handscroll painting, was created by the 12th century artist Zhang Zeduan to depict the capital city (and environs) of Bianliang during the northern Song Dynasty. When the southern Song Dynasty moved the capital to Hangzhou, nostalgia for the former capital of Bianliang was very great, and Zeduan's handscroll gained tremendous popularity. Copied several times since the 12th century, the version featured in this 2-tape documentary was painted by five artists in 1736 and is known as the Qing Court edition of "A City of Cathay." The painting is 1152 centimeters in length, rendered on silk, and--like the Bayeux Tapestry--is presented in an extended horizontal format. The first video, "A Journey Through the Artist's Eye" details the visual and stylistic techniques employed by the artist, while the second tape, "The Story of a Handscroll Masterpiece," offers a systematic look at what's going on within the painting. Together, they provide a fascinating examination of what has to be regarded as one of the great masterpieces in the history of art. A highly recommended follow-up to the earlier program Imperial Treasures of Chinese Art (VL-11/99). Aud: J, H, C, P. (P. Van Vleck)