- Shang Dynasty: 1766-1045 BC
- The Shang Dynasty was China’s Bronze Age. The technology used to cast bronze during this time was unparallel elsewhere in the ancient world. Historians have found early examples of Chinese writing on bronze vessels and divinatory bones and turtle shells dating to this period.
- Zhou Dynasty: 1045-256 BC
- Considered China's great Golden Age, the Zhou is often recalled with nostalgia by later Chinese philosophers and poets. It was the first dynasty to leave textual writing beyond short inscriptions.
- Qin Dynasty: 221-206 BC
- Pronounced "chin," this dynasty claims the First Emperor, the Great Wall of China, and the Terracotta Warriors located in Xian.
- Han Dynasty: 206 BC-AD 220
- The Han Dynasty is characterized as a period of enormous power and prestige with an unprecedented expansion in military, diplomatic and cultural areas. During the Han, China was not only a strong, unified, and culturally enriched epicenter but also a thriving artistic hub. This time is regarded as the beginning of great monumental sculpture; most notably seen in the rapidly developing area of funerary art.
- Six Dynasties: AD 220-589
- The Six Dynasties period is China’s first time of disunity. For 270 years the empire was fragmented, and the North was dominated by invaders from the borderland and the steppes. The South was ruled by successive Chinese dynasties. Also at this time, Buddhism began to find widespread acceptance in China amidst the political and social upheaval.
- Sui Dynasty: AD 581-618
- By 589 AD, Emperor Wendi had united all of China under the rule of the Sui dynasty. As Emperor, he rebuilt the capital, repaired and expanded the Great Wall, and oversaw the construction of an enormous canal system linking north and south and northwest and northeast China.
- Tang Dynasty: AD 618-907
- A time of cosmopolitanism and cultural flowering occurred during the Tang Dynasty. This period was the height of Buddhist influence in China until it was repressed around 845.
- Five Dynasties: AD 907-960
- Liao Kingdom (in Manchuria): AD 936-1125
- Song Dynasty: AD 960-1279
- The Song period is recognized as an era of significant economic and social changes. At this time, the monetization of the economy occurred, and the growth of commerce and maritime trade spurred urban expansion and technological innovations. Decorative arts reached the height of elegance and technical perfection during this period.
- Yuan Dynasty: AD 1280-1368
- During the Yuan, for the first time in history, China was completely subjugated by foreign conquerors. At this time, Kublai Khan or “Last of the Great Khans” ascended to the throne and moved the capital to Beijing. Drawing on scholarly aesthetic; calligraphy enjoyed widespread participation by members of the literati.
- Ming Dynasty: AD 1368-1644
- During the Ming or "brilliant" Dynasty, China proper was reunited after centuries of foreign incursion and occupation. A gradual burgeoning of the commercial sector occurred, resulting in increased trade and production. This dynasty produced some of the most beautiful and intricate furniture ever constructed.
- Qing Dynasty: AD 1644-1912
- A Manchu dynasty, the Qing Dynasty continued the economic developments of the late Ming. At this time, three principal groups of artists were working: the traditionalists, the individualists, and the professional artists of the Manchu court.
