"Applying a comparative approach to Chinese and Western art, this book examines the characteristics of traditional Chinese art and analyses the distinction between figure painting and portraiture [and other comparisons]"--Front jacket flap. This book examines the characteristics of traditional Chinese art and analyses the distinction between figure painting and portraiture. It examines the scenery in Chinese landscape painting and the sense of poetry within the paintings of flowers and birds so that the reader comes to understand the unique aspects of Chinese art.