明清苏州艺术论

Soochow Art in Ming and Qing Dynasties

明清两代,苏州在文学、戏曲、美术、书法、曲艺、工艺美术、园艺等方面,各门类全面发展,特色鲜明,都以一流水平臻于全国领先。明清苏州何以能创造出如此令人惊艳的文化艺术成果与群落,在中国文化史、中国艺术史上占有重要地位?简明的回答是:吴文化的魅力。极其丰富的社会物质条件,充分发达的经济贸易活动,高度城市化进程,是明清苏州文艺繁荣的社会物质基础。思想的解放,社会的自由活跃,是推动苏州文艺繁荣的根本动因。明清苏州艺术的辉煌,是庞大的苏州文人群体的杰出创造。苏州艺术的璀璨,是文人艺术创造的极致,是古典精英文化创造的辉煌。

In Ming and Qing dynasties, literature, fine arts, calligraphy, opera and ballad, arts and crafts, and horti- culture in Soochow had developed to the first class in the whole nation. How did such amazing culture, arts, and cir- cles come into being in Soochow in Ming and Qing dynasties？ What made it become so significant in Chinese cultural history and art history？ Simply speaking, it is Wu culture that made it. Extremely abundant social material condi- tions, sufficiently developed economic and trade activities, and highly advanced urbanization course is the social ma- terial base for the literal prosperity. Thought emancipation, social freedom and liveliness is the fundamental motivation for promoting the literal prosperity in Soochow. The magnificence of Soochow art in Ming and Qing dynasties was a re- markable creation of literati circle in Soochow. Soochow art is perfection of literati art creation and a glorious creation of classical elite culture.