Celestial beings and bird-men human flight in Chinese jade Forsyth, Angus creator author. text bibliography History. nyu 2020 2020 monographic eng print ix, 325 pages : illustrations (chiefly color), color map : 26 cm Jade figurines depicting human flight are a varied and expressive manifestation of this most prized artistic medium. Angus Forsyth, a prominent collector of Chinese jade, in this book explores the making in the Middle Kingdom (over a 2000-year period, from the Han Dynasty onwards) of unique objects depicting figural movement through the air. He examines the depiction of apsaras (flying angels), kinnaras (man-birds), anthropomorphized bird headdress ornaments and finally garudas (humanoid birds appearing in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology). He shows how these flying figures came to be associated with veneration of the gods and specific devotional practice. Examining a variety of representative objects, none of which has been seen in print before, the author reveals that the original concept behind flying celestial beings and bird-men originated not in China but in India and the Christianized West, via the Silk Road. A distinctive characteristic of Chinese artefacts is that, in contrast to their Western angelic counterparts, they often are wingless. The book discusses small and larger jade pieces alike. Angus Forsyth. Includes bibliographical references and index. a-cc--- Jade art objects China Themes, motives History Jade art objects China History Figurines, Ancient China Figurines, Ancient Jade art objects Qin-Han dynasties China 221 B.C.-220 A.D. fast NK5750.2.C6 F67 2020 N7260 736/.240951 9781781300718 1781300712 pda,print YDX 180301 20250318215334.2 in00004437828 eng