Mo Hen: Art and Aesthetics in Classical and Contemporary China

This lavishly illustrated book offers a comprehensive exploration of the rich and intricate history of Chinese aesthetics.

Through the lens of renowned artist Mo Hen, this book explores themes of simplicity, natural beauty, and the passage of time, examining how these elements have shaped artistic practices and aesthetic appreciation. Readers embark on a visual journey through time, with over 250 images of interior design and artworks vividly illustrating the concepts discussed in the essays.

Mo Hen: Art and Aesthetics in Classical and Contemporary China offers an insightful look at the enduring legacy of Chinese art, blending historical context with contemporary relevance.

It traces the evolution of aesthetic principles and artistic expressions from the Tang dynasty (618–907 CE), through the Song dynasty (960–1279 CE), and into the contemporary era, integrating Chinese tea culture.Leon Sun is currently serving as the creative director and chief strategy officer at Shangxia, a high-end Chinese lifestyle brand. He was formerly the editorial director and chief content officer for the Chinese edition of Elle Decoration, one of the world’s most influential home and design lifestyle media outlets. With nearly 20 years of experience in the media industry, he is a seasoned professional.

Mo Hen regards painting on screens as an unexpected journey toward self-realization, originating from tea and fueled by a fascination with Eastern aesthetics, yet having taken a unique path. His brushwork inherits the legacy of the Song and Yuan dynasties, specifically from Mu Xi and Liang Kai, and is deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism.