Masterworks of Chinese Miniature in the National Palace Museum (1971) is a rare and exquisite catalog showcasing the National Palace Museum’s (Taipei) unparalleled collection of Chinese miniature arts. Published during a golden age of cultural preservation, this volume highlights delicate masterpieces from the Song to Qing dynasties, including:
- Tiny ivory carvings (e.g., nested concentric balls with intricate interiors).
- Microscopic calligraphy on grains of rice or inside snuff bottles.
- Miniature landscapes in jade, clay, or wood, depicting mountains in palm-sized displays.
The book features full-color plates and scholarly commentary, emphasizing the technical virtuosity and philosophical depth of these works—where artisans compressed vast worlds into inches, reflecting Daoist ideals of harmony and xiaoyaoyou (wandering beyond the mundane).
