Series 3: "Art of China" and "Crafts of China", 1947-1991

Scope and content:

The films in this series depict various Chinese art forms through demonstrations by skilled artisans (including Weng himself in the painting episodes), as well as shots of art objects similar to those in the Li Sumin films. The films were filmed in the early 1950s. Each film runs approximately 10 minutes long and features color footage shot silently and English-language narration. The collection contains master picture and sound elements for five of the seven listed films (excepting Folk Dances and Dressmaking), prints for all seven films, and additional sound elements and original footage for many of the films. Titles include in this series: Chinese Shadow Play/皮影; Chinese Jade Carving/玉雕; Two Chinese Dances/Chinese Folk Dances/民族舞蹈; Painting the Chinese Landscape/山水画; Painting the Chinese Figure/人物画; Chinese Dressmaking/服装工艺; Chinese Firecrackers/焰火鞭炮.

Contents

Access and use

Parent restrictions:

This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material from the C.V. Starr East Asian Library at least 5 business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Special Collections reading room.

Unique time-based media items have been reformatted and are (available online / available onsite) via links in the container list. Commercial materials are not routinely digitized.

This collection has no restrictions.

Parent terms of access:
Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The C.V. Starr East Asian Library maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
Location of this collection:
300 Kent Hall
1140 Amsterdam Ave.
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers should request materials at least one week in advance to ensure availability. Due to limited storage, please request only the materials you plan to use during your visit.
Contact:
starr@library.columbia.edu