I. Prehistoric sculptures (6500 BC – 1,600 BC)

The most ancient sculpture, which has been found in China so far, is a relic in the prosperous period of the Neolithic clan commune. Sculptures of the primitive society have long been highly valued by people, since it is of great significance to exploring the course of social development course and studying on histories of formative arts and ideology. Rough but exaggerated, sculptures of this period were attached to utensils as decorations. Among them, the most representative one is the pottery portrait.

II. Sculptures in the Shang and Zhou Dynasties (1,600 BC – 221 BC)

Sculptures of this era laid particular emphasis on animal-shaped utensils and ornaments as well as kneading figures, which are small but rough with dense milk of human kindness. Representing the peak of sculptures in the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, the bronze wares at that time had possessed the initial characteristics of sculpture art despite its practical purposes. Some exaggerated, deformed and peculiar figures embellished the majestic and mysterious atmosphere, and thus forming its dignified, gorgeous, magnificent but perverse artistic features which mirror people’s aesthetic standards and understanding of natural environment in the Shang and Zhou Dynasties. Tripods or quadripods are typical sculptures of this period.

III. Sculptures in the Qin Dynasty (221 BC – 206 BC)

In 221 BC, after unifying China, Qin Shi Huang built up his tyranny so as to rule country. That is, taking advantage of sculptures to serve the political goal of “advocating his achievement of unifying China while revealing his royalty and dignity”. Notable success has been achieved in terms of ornamental sculpture in building, bronze memorial sculptures, burial sculptures and so on.

In the rising stage of the feudal society, sculptures in the Qin Dynasty pursued realistic works. In the development of architectural decoration, tomb decoration and burial objects, the first peak has been formed in the sculpture history. Architectural decorations of the Qing Dynasty are manifested in the palaces, gardens, pavilions and tomb passage. Known as “the Eighth Wonder of the World”, Terra-Cotta Warriors unearthed from the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang is the most spectacular."

Characterized by vigor, plainness and grandness, sculptures of the Qin Dynasty embodies the positive and energetic spirit in the rising period of feudal society, which possess the great and extraordinary aesthetic features of lofty force and number.

IV. Sculptures in the Han Dynasty (206 BC –AD 220)

Inheriting the magnificence and solemnness of the Qin Dynasty, sculptures in the Han Dynasty highlighted the vigorous artistic characteristic. During this period, the burial sculptures were especially developed from underground to over-ground, which highlights the vigorous and overall beauty of stone sculptures from the formalistic perspective.

Possessing abundant types and number of sculptures in the Han Dynasty, the sculptures are real and simple as well as vivid and complete. The achievements of sculpture art during this period were highlighted in the decorative engraving of large memorial stone and gardens. Among them, the headstone of General Huo Qubing was the most representative stone carvings ever preserved.

V. Sculptures in the Wei, Jin, Northern and Southern Dynasties (AD 220 –AD 581)

It was a period when Buddhism and Confucianism blended. Consequently, taking advantage of religions, the rulers ordered to build temples and engraving figures of Buddha so as to spread their thought and religious doctrine through visual formative arts.

There are numerous figures of Buddha in grottoes, including stone carving, wood carving, clay and bronze figurines, thus figures of Buddha became the principal part of sculptures at that time.

Grotto art is of great representativeness in Chinese sculptures. The sculptures of this period are characterized by detail-oriented portrayal and skillful transferring techniques while most of the sculptures are religion-related. Therefore, the sculptures tended to have the characteristics of deification and exaggeration. Even though religions made the theme of sculptures simple, the intrinsic motivation of religious spirits still contributed to the birth of a large number of fine arts.

XI. Sculptures in the Sui and Tang Dynasties (AD 581 –AD 907)

Sui and Tang dynasties were the heyday of Chinese feudal society. At the same time, it was also the heyday of the development of literature and art. Religious statues, decorative art of mausoleums, ceramic sculpture art for funerary purposes, portraits and so on have all entered an era of unprecedented prosperity. Making significant progress in the Tang Dynasty, religious statues at that time had bold and dignified state without losing elegance and beauty. Its variety of sculpture styles and skills has reached an unprecedented level.

XII. Sculptures in the Song and Jin Dynasties (AD 960 – AD 1279)

Regardless of its appearance or the style, the Buddhist sculptures in the Song Dynasty have been obviously secularized. The sacred appearances have gradually become blurred, and replaced by images closer to the real life.

From the perspective of secular life, headstone carving in the Song Dynasty more followed the tradition of the Tang Dynasty while the momentum faded. Sculptures in the Song Dynasty got close to daily life and became secularized. Its style tended to be realistic while various materials were adopted. Painted sculptures were relatively developed in the Song Dynasty. Compared with that in the Tang Dynasty, great changes have taken place in figures of Buddha with the statues of the Goddess of Mercy as the majority.