In Parting the Mists, Aida Yuen Wong makes a convincing argument that the forging of a national tradition in modern China was frequently pursued in association with rather than in rejection of Japan. The focus of her book is on Japan’s integral role in the invention of "national-style painting," or guohua, in early-twentieth-century China. Guohua, referring to brush paintings on traditional formats, is often misconstrued as a residual conservatism from the dynastic age that barricaded itself within classical traditions. Wong places this art form at the forefront of cross-cultural exchange. Notable proponents of guohua (e.g., Chen Hengke, Jin Cheng, Fu Baoshi, and Gao Jianfu) are discussed in connection with Japan, where they discovered stylistic and ideological paradigms consonant with the empowering of "Asian/Oriental" cultural practices against the backdrop of encroaching westernization. Not just a "window on the West," Japan stood as an informant of China modernism in its own right. The first book in English devoted to Sino-Japanese dialogues in modern art, Parting the Mists explores the sensitive phenomenon of Japanism in the practice and theory of Chinese painting. Wong carries out a methodologically agile study that sheds light on multiple spheres: stylistic and iconographic innovations, history writing, art theory, patronage and the market, geopolitics, the creation of artists’ societies, and exhibitions. Without avoiding the dark history of Japanese imperialism, she provides a nuanced reading of Chinese views about Japan and the two countries’ convergent, and often colliding, courses of nationalism.

Journey to the legendary Isle of Avalon to experience its magic, mystery, and inner wisdom. Mists of Avalon invites you on a sacred spiritual path to heal and awaken to your full potential. Uncover the myth of King Arthur and the Camelot story as you connect to the magic of Morgan le Fay. Feel the spiritual power of the mystic landscape of Glastonbury and its surround, once the site of Avalon, revered since ancient times as a gateway to the Otherworld. This stunning deck captures the true essence of the mystery of Avalon, empowering you to self-discovery on your soul quest. It is a transformational experience for those who are ready to follow their true spiritual path in the ways of the Avalon goddesses and priestesses. Call on the energy of Avalon to provide insight, clarity, and guidance for your life now and to illuminate the way forward. Become part of the magic and myth of Avalon!

The magical saga of the women behind King Arthur's throne. “A monumental reimagining of the Arthurian legends . . . reading it is a deeply moving and at times uncanny experience. . . . An impressive achievement.”—The New York Times Book Review In Marion Zimmer Bradley's masterpiece, we see the tumult and adventures of Camelot's court through the eyes of the women who bolstered the king's rise and schemed for his fall. From their childhoods through the ultimate fulfillment of their destinies, we follow these women and the diverse cast of characters that surrounds them as the great Arthurian epic unfolds stunningly before us. As Morgaine and Gwenhwyfar struggle for control over the fate of Arthur's kingdom, as the Knights of the Round Table take on their infamous quest, as Merlin and Viviane wield their magics for the future of Old Britain, the Isle of Avalon slips further into the impenetrable mists of memory, until the fissure between old and new worlds' and old and new religions' claims its most famous victim.

This book examines the transformation of values in China since 1850, first in the “secular” realms of economics, science, medicine, aesthetics, media and gender, and then in each of the major religions (Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism, Christianity) and in Marxist discourse.

Consult the animal lore given and interpret the card spreads to gain powerful insights into your life situation and receive positive guidance for the future.

Sarah J. Maas hit the New York Times SERIES list at #1 with A Court of Wings and Ruin!