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Folding screens are known as 'pingfeng' in Chinese and serve both practical and decorative functions.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Chinese term 'pingfeng' refers to folding screens, which are free-standing furniture serving both practical purposes like room division and privacy, and decorative functions to enhance interior design.
Folding screens originated in Japan and then spread to China and Korea.
Answer: False
Explanation: Folding screens originated in ancient China, not Japan, and subsequently spread to other East Asian countries like Japan and Korea.
The Chinese name 'pingfeng' literally translates to 'screen; blocking' and 'breeze, wind,' reflecting its practical use.
Answer: True
Explanation: The etymology of the Chinese term 'pingfeng' directly signifies 'screen; blocking' (ping) and 'breeze, wind' (feng), accurately reflecting its original practical function in mitigating drafts.
How does the Chinese name 'pingfeng' literally reflect a practical use of folding screens?
Answer: It literally translates to 'screen; blocking' (ping) and 'breeze, wind' (feng).
Explanation: The Chinese term 'pingfeng' literally translates to 'screen; blocking' (ping) and 'breeze, wind' (feng), directly illustrating its practical function in obstructing drafts.
By what Chinese name is a folding screen also known?
Answer: 'pingfeng'
Explanation: A folding screen is also known by its Chinese name, 'pingfeng'.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a primary function of folding screens?
Answer: Serving as structural support for buildings
Explanation: While folding screens serve various practical and decorative functions such as providing privacy, dividing rooms, and enhancing interior design, they are not designed to provide structural support for buildings.
What additional function do folding screens serve due to their artistic qualities?
Answer: They also serve as decorative items that can enhance the interior design of a home.
Explanation: Beyond their practical utility, folding screens, owing to their intricate artistic designs, also function as significant decorative elements that enrich interior aesthetics.
Where did folding screens originate before spreading to other parts of East Asia and Europe?
Answer: Ancient China
Explanation: Folding screens trace their origins to ancient China, from where their use disseminated across East Asia and subsequently to Europe.
Screens, in their general one-panel form, first appeared in China during the Eastern Zhou period.
Answer: True
Explanation: Screens, in their initial one-panel configuration, are documented in China as early as the Eastern Zhou period (771-256 BCE).
Folding screens were specifically invented during the Song dynasty in China.
Answer: False
Explanation: Folding screens were invented in China during the Han dynasty (206 BCE to 220 CE), not the Song dynasty.
Archaeological evidence of folding screens from the Han dynasty includes depictions found in tombs in Shandong Province.
Answer: True
Explanation: Archaeological findings, such as depictions of folding screens in Han-era tombs in Shandong Province, confirm their existence during the Han dynasty.
Chinese folding screens were primarily decorated with abstract geometric patterns.
Answer: False
Explanation: Chinese folding screens were typically adorned with elaborate artistic themes, including mythology, scenes of palace life, and various natural elements, rather than abstract geometric patterns.
In Chinese literature, folding screens are often associated with themes of intrigue and romance.
Answer: True
Explanation: Chinese literary works frequently portray folding screens in contexts of intrigue and romance, often as devices for clandestine observation or concealment.
The classical novel 'Journey to the West' prominently features the folding screen as a recurring thematic element.
Answer: False
Explanation: The classical novel 'Dream of the Red Chamber,' not 'Journey to the West,' is noted for prominently featuring the folding screen as a recurring thematic element.
Li He's 'Song of the Screen' described a twelve-panel screen decorated with butterflies on China pink flowers.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Tang poet Li He's 'Song of the Screen' indeed details a twelve-panel screen adorned with butterflies on China pink flowers, symbolizing lovers.
Early Chinese folding screens were exclusively made from paper and silk.
Answer: False
Explanation: Early Chinese folding screens were initially crafted from wooden panels with lacquered surfaces, with paper or silk becoming popular materials later.
Folding screens experienced a rapid surge in popularity in China during the Tang dynasty.
Answer: True
Explanation: Despite their ancient origins, folding screens indeed saw a significant increase in popularity throughout China during the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE).
During the Tang dynasty, folding screens were primarily used as room dividers and rarely for artistic display.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the Tang dynasty, folding screens were highly valued as artistic mediums, serving as ideal surfaces for painters and calligraphers to display their works, in addition to their practical functions.
'Huaping' and 'shuping' were two distinct types of artistic folding screens mentioned in Tang era literature.
Answer: True
Explanation: Tang era literature indeed distinguishes between 'huaping' (painted folding screens) and 'shuping' (calligraphed folding screens) as significant artistic forms.
Commissioning folding screens from renowned artists was uncommon in ancient China.
Answer: False
Explanation: In ancient China, it was a common practice to commission folding screens from celebrated artists, such as Cao Ba of the Tang dynasty or Guo Xi of the Song dynasty.
Landscape paintings on folding screens reached their artistic zenith during the Song dynasty in China.
Answer: True
Explanation: The artistic pinnacle for landscape paintings on folding screens in China was indeed achieved during the Song dynasty (960-1279 CE).
Coromandel screens are characterized by a 'kuancai' lacquer technique that emerged during the early Tang dynasty.
Answer: False
Explanation: Coromandel screens are known for the 'kuancai' or 'incised colors' lacquer technique, which developed during the late Ming dynasty, not the early Tang dynasty.
Coromandel screens typically feature a detailed scene on the front and a simpler floral theme on the back.
Answer: True
Explanation: A characteristic decorative feature of Coromandel screens is indeed a detailed scene presented on the front, complemented by a simpler floral motif on the reverse side.
What materials were initially used for Chinese folding screens?
Answer: Wooden panels and lacquered surfaces
Explanation: Initially, Chinese folding screens were constructed from wooden panels and adorned with lacquered surfaces before other materials like paper or silk became prevalent.
Which classical Chinese novel notably features the folding screen as a recurring thematic element?
Answer: Dream of the Red Chamber
Explanation: Cao Xueqin's classical novel 'Dream of the Red Chamber' is particularly known for its recurring use of the folding screen as a significant thematic device.
What were the two distinct types of artistic folding screens mentioned in historical literature of the Tang era?
Answer: 'Huaping' and 'shuping'
Explanation: Historical texts from the Tang dynasty identify 'huaping' (painted folding screens) and 'shuping' (calligraphed folding screens) as two distinct categories of artistic screens.
During which Chinese dynasty were folding screens specifically invented?
Answer: Han dynasty
Explanation: Folding screens were first developed in China during the Han dynasty, which spanned from 206 BCE to 220 CE.
What archaeological evidence supports the existence of folding screens during the Han dynasty?
Answer: Depictions of folding screens have been discovered in Han-era tombs
Explanation: The presence of folding screens during the Han dynasty is substantiated by archaeological discoveries, specifically depictions found within Han-era tombs.
Which of the following was a common artistic theme used to decorate Chinese folding screens?
Answer: Scenes of palace life
Explanation: Common artistic motifs adorning Chinese folding screens included mythology, detailed scenes of palace life, and various representations of nature.
In Chinese literature, folding screens are frequently associated with which themes?
Answer: Intrigue and romance
Explanation: Chinese literary works often link folding screens with themes of intrigue and romance, frequently portraying them as props for discreet observation or concealment.
What significant role did folding screens play for artists during the Tang dynasty?
Answer: They were regarded as ideal surfaces for many painters to showcase their paintings and calligraphy.
Explanation: During the Tang dynasty, folding screens were highly esteemed by artists as prime surfaces for exhibiting their paintings and calligraphy, often with artworks directly applied to them.
What distinctive lacquer technique characterizes Coromandel screens, emerging during the late Ming dynasty?
Answer: 'kuancai' or 'incised colors' lacquer technique
Explanation: Coromandel screens are distinguished by the 'kuancai,' or 'incised colors,' lacquer technique, which originated in the late Ming dynasty and involved incising, painting, and inlaying dark screens.
What is a typical characteristic of Coromandel screens regarding their decoration?
Answer: Typically, Coromandel screens feature a detailed scene on the front, while the back usually displays a simpler floral theme.
Explanation: A defining decorative trait of Coromandel screens is the presentation of a detailed scene on the front surface, contrasted with a more understated floral motif on the reverse.
What did Li He's 'Song of the Screen' describe about the screen's decoration?
Answer: twelve panels decorated with butterflies on China pink flowers
Explanation: Li He's 'Song of the Screen' vividly described a twelve-panel screen adorned with butterflies on China pink flowers, symbolizing lovers.
During which Chinese dynasty did folding screens experience a rapid surge in popularity?
Answer: Tang dynasty
Explanation: Folding screens witnessed a significant increase in popularity in China during the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE).
During which Chinese dynasty did landscape paintings on folding screens reach their artistic zenith?
Answer: Song dynasty
Explanation: Landscape paintings on Chinese folding screens achieved their highest artistic development during the Song dynasty (960-1279 CE).
What materials gained popularity for Chinese folding screens after initial use of wooden panels and lacquered surfaces?
Answer: Paper or silk
Explanation: Following their initial construction from wooden panels and lacquered surfaces, Chinese folding screens increasingly incorporated paper or silk as popular materials.
The Korean term for a folding screen, 'byeongpung,' gained significance during the Goryeo dynasty.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Korean term 'byeongpung' for folding screens gained significance during the Unified Silla period (668-935 CE), not the Goryeo dynasty.
In Korea, *byeongpung* were used for decoration, room division, and to block drafts from *Ondol* heated floors.
Answer: True
Explanation: Korean *byeongpung* served multiple functions, including decorative purposes, partitioning rooms, and effectively blocking drafts, particularly from the *Ondol* heated floor systems.
Korean folding screens rarely depicted landscapes or flowers, focusing instead on abstract patterns.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the statement, Korean folding screens frequently featured artistic depictions of landscapes, flowers, and calligraphy.
*Irworobongdo* screens were important elements placed behind the thrones of some Joseon kings.
Answer: True
Explanation: *Irworobongdo* screens were indeed significant *byeongpung* positioned directly behind the thrones of certain Joseon kings, as seen in palaces like Gyeongbok Palace.
A *chaekgeori* screen is a Korean type characterized by depictions of Taoist gods.
Answer: False
Explanation: A *chaekgeori* screen is characterized by scholarly motifs, typically depicting books on a shelf, while *Sinseondobyeong* screens feature Taoist gods.
*Chimbyeong* are Korean folding screens specifically designed to be placed by the bedside.
Answer: True
Explanation: *Chimbyeong* is indeed a specific category of Korean folding screen, purpose-built for placement alongside a bed.
A *Sobyeong* is a Korean folding screen adorned with various drawings or writings on many subjects.
Answer: False
Explanation: A *Sobyeong* is a Korean folding screen characterized by plain white paper panels, used for mourning or ancestral rites. A *Baeknapbyeong* is adorned with various drawings or writings.
What is the Korean term for a folding screen, and when did it gain significance in Korea?
Answer: Byeongpung, during the Unified Silla period
Explanation: The Korean term for a folding screen is 'byeongpung,' which gained cultural significance during the Unified Silla period (668-935 CE).
What is a *Baeknapbyeong* in the context of Korean folding screens?
Answer: A Korean folding screen adorned with various drawings or writings on a multitude of subjects.
Explanation: A *Baeknapbyeong* is a category of Korean folding screen notable for being embellished with a diverse array of drawings or calligraphic works on numerous themes.
What is a *Jangsaengdobyeong*?
Answer: A Korean folding screen that depicts the 'Shipjangsaengdo,' which are the ten traditional symbols of longevity.
Explanation: A *Jangsaengdobyeong* is a Korean folding screen specifically designed to illustrate the 'Shipjangsaengdo,' representing the ten traditional symbols of longevity.
What is a *Sobyeong*?
Answer: A Korean folding screen used for mourning or ancestral rites, distinguished by its plain white paper panels without any drawings.
Explanation: A *Sobyeong* is a Korean folding screen characterized by its unadorned white paper panels, designated for use in mourning rituals or ancestral rites.
Which of the following was a primary use for *byeongpung* in Korea?
Answer: To block drafts caused by the *Ondol* heated floors.
Explanation: In Korea, *byeongpung* served a crucial practical function by blocking drafts, particularly those emanating from the *Ondol* heated floor systems.
What characterizes a *chaekgeori* screen in Korean culture?
Answer: Scholarly motifs, often depicting books arranged on a shelf.
Explanation: A *chaekgeori* screen in Korean culture is distinguished by its scholarly motifs, frequently featuring depictions of books meticulously arranged on a shelf.
What are *Irworobongdo* screens, and where were they prominently displayed?
Answer: prominent *byeongpung* that served as important elements in the throne rooms of some Joseon kings.
Explanation: *Irworobongdo* screens were significant *byeongpung* that held a prominent position behind the thrones of certain Joseon kings, notably in palaces such as Gyeongbok Palace.
Which type of Korean *byeongpung* was specifically designed to be placed by the bedside?
Answer: Chimbyeong
Explanation: The *Chimbyeong* is a specific type of Korean folding screen meticulously crafted for placement adjacent to a bed.
What is a *Sinseondobyeong*?
Answer: A Korean folding screen that features depictions of gods, influenced by Taoist thought.
Explanation: A *Sinseondobyeong* is a Korean folding screen characterized by its depictions of gods, reflecting influences from Taoist philosophy.
The Japanese term for a folding screen is 'byōbu,' believed to have been imported from China during the Han dynasty.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Japanese term for a folding screen is 'byōbu,' and it is indeed thought to have been introduced to Japan from China during the Han dynasty, arriving around the 7th or 8th century.
The oldest *byōbu* produced in Japan is from the 12th century and is stored in a private collection.
Answer: False
Explanation: The oldest *byōbu* in Japan is the 'Torige ritsujo no byōbu' from the 8th century, preserved in the Shōsōin Treasure Repository, not a 12th-century screen in a private collection.
During Japan's Heian period, *byōbu* designs became more indigenous due to the development of *Kokufū Bunka*.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the Heian period, Japanese *byōbu* designs indeed evolved to reflect a more indigenous aesthetic, influenced by the emergence of *Kokufū Bunka* (national culture).
The Muromachi period in Japan was characterized by folding screens with vibrant, bustling scenes of daily life.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Muromachi period in Japan was notably characterized by folding screens that conveyed a spatial expression of silence, contrasting with vibrant scenes of daily life.
During Japan's Azuchi-Momoyama period, screens adorned with paintings of tigers and dragons became popular.
Answer: True
Explanation: During Japan's Azuchi-Momoyama period, a time of intense feudal competition, folding screens featuring powerful imagery of tigers and dragons indeed gained significant popularity.
In the Edo period, the patronage of Japanese folding screens shifted primarily to the imperial court, away from merchants.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the Edo period, the flourishing economy led to emerging merchants becoming significant patrons of Japanese folding screens, diversifying patronage beyond traditional court circles.
Rinpa school folding screens were known for highly decorative designs using gold or silver foil and bold compositions.
Answer: True
Explanation: Rinpa school folding screens are indeed recognized for their opulent and decorative designs, frequently incorporating gold or silver foil, bold compositions, and repetitive patterns.
What is considered the oldest *byōbu* produced in Japan, and where is it preserved?
Answer: The 'Torige ritsujo no byōbu' from the 8th century, stored in the Shōsōin Treasure Repository.
Explanation: The 'Torige ritsujo no byōbu,' dating from the 8th century and housed in the Shōsōin Treasure Repository, is recognized as the oldest *byōbu* originating from Japan.
What were the defining characteristics of Rinpa school folding screens during the Edo period?
Answer: Highly decorative designs that often utilized gold or silver foil, bold compositions, and repeated patterns.
Explanation: Rinpa school folding screens from the Edo period are distinguished by their highly decorative aesthetic, frequent use of gold or silver foil, bold compositional choices, and the incorporation of repeated patterns.
What is the Japanese term for a folding screen, and when is it believed to have been imported to Japan?
Answer: 'byōbu,' and it is thought to have been imported to Japan from China during the Han dynasty, arriving in the 7th or 8th century.
Explanation: The Japanese refer to folding screens as 'byōbu,' a term and object believed to have been introduced from China during the Han dynasty, specifically arriving in Japan around the 7th or 8th century.
How did Japanese *byōbu* designs evolve during the Heian period?
Answer: They became more indigenous due to the development of Japan's distinctive *Kokufū Bunka*.
Explanation: During Japan's Heian period, *byōbu* designs underwent a significant transformation, becoming more distinctly indigenous as a result of the flourishing *Kokufū Bunka* (national culture).
What was the characteristic spatial expression of folding screens during the Muromachi period in Japan?
Answer: Their spatial expression of silence.
Explanation: A defining characteristic of Japanese folding screens during the Muromachi period was their ability to convey a profound spatial expression of silence.
What types of folding screens gained popularity during Japan's Azuchi-Momoyama period, a time when feudal lords (daimyo) vied for power?
Answer: Folding screens adorned with paintings of tigers and dragons.
Explanation: During Japan's Azuchi-Momoyama period, characterized by intense political rivalry among feudal lords, folding screens embellished with powerful imagery of tigers and dragons became highly favored.
The Vietnamese term for folding screens, 'bình phong,' was particularly popular during the Ly dynasty.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Vietnamese term for folding screens, 'bình phong,' was especially prevalent during the Nguyễn dynasty, not the Ly dynasty.
Vietnamese folding screens often featured dragons and scenic landscapes as common motifs.
Answer: True
Explanation: Vietnamese folding screens commonly incorporated motifs such as dragons and various scenic landscapes in their artistic designs.
Vietnamese folding screens were typically decorated using a technique involving intricate wood carving.
Answer: False
Explanation: Vietnamese folding screens were frequently embellished using the 'khảm xà cừ' technique, which involves inlaying crushed nacre, rather than intricate wood carving.
In Vietnam, folding screens evolved into architectural structures built in front of houses, influenced by feng shui.
Answer: True
Explanation: In Vietnam, guided by feng shui principles, folding screens indeed transcended their furniture role to become architectural elements erected in front of homes, serving protective and auspicious functions.
What specific decorative technique was often employed for Vietnamese folding screens?
Answer: Khảm xà cừ (inlaying with crushed nacre)
Explanation: Vietnamese folding screens frequently utilized the 'khảm xà cừ' technique, which involves the intricate inlaying of crushed nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl.
What is the Vietnamese name for folding screens, and when were they particularly popular in Vietnam?
Answer: 'bình phong' in Vietnamese, and they were particularly popular during the Nguyễn dynasty.
Explanation: In Vietnam, folding screens are known as 'bình phong,' and their popularity reached its peak during the Nguyễn dynasty.
In Vietnam, influenced by feng shui principles, how did folding screens evolve beyond furniture?
Answer: They evolved into a type of architectural structure built in front of houses.
Explanation: In Vietnam, under the influence of feng shui, folding screens transformed from mere furniture into architectural structures erected before houses, serving functions of protection and auspiciousness.
Folding screens were first introduced to Europe during the early Renaissance.
Answer: False
Explanation: Folding screens were first introduced to Europe during the late Middle Ages, predating the early Renaissance period.
In 1584, a Japanese embassy presented the 'Azuchi Screens' to Pope Gregory XIII, who displayed them in the Vatican.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historical records confirm that in 1584, a Japanese embassy presented the 'Azuchi Screens' to Pope Gregory XIII, which were subsequently exhibited in the Vatican.
Europe primarily imported folding screens from Japan during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the 17th and 18th centuries, Europe predominantly imported folding screens from China, rather than Japan.
The French showed particular admiration and demand for Chinese folding screens, leading to significant imports.
Answer: True
Explanation: The French, among other Europeans, indeed exhibited a notable appreciation and demand for Chinese folding screens, resulting in substantial imports of these lacquered artworks.
Coco Chanel owned only a few Chinese folding screens, primarily for decorative accents in her office.
Answer: False
Explanation: Coco Chanel was an avid collector of Chinese folding screens, reportedly owning 32, with several displayed in her apartment, reflecting a deep personal affection rather than merely a few decorative accents.
Coco Chanel expressed a deep affection for Chinese screens, stating they were the first thing she bought.
Answer: True
Explanation: Coco Chanel indeed articulated a profound fondness for Chinese screens, recalling them as her initial significant purchase upon encountering a Coromandel screen.
Which European nation showed particular admiration and demand for Chinese folding screens during the 17th and 18th centuries?
Answer: The French in particular
Explanation: During the 17th and 18th centuries, the French notably demonstrated a strong admiration and demand for Chinese folding screens, leading to substantial imports.
When were folding screens first introduced to Europe?
Answer: During the late Middle Ages.
Explanation: Folding screens made their initial appearance in Europe during the historical period known as the late Middle Ages.
Who was a notable European collector of Chinese folding screens, reportedly owning 32 of them?
Answer: The French fashion designer Coco Chanel
Explanation: The renowned French fashion designer Coco Chanel was a prominent collector of Chinese folding screens, with reports indicating she owned as many as 32.