Art and the State: China

Confucianism and Legalism

by Dr. Deborah Vess

Professor of History and Interdisciplinary Studies

As you saw in the interactive unit, Confucianism was based on the belief that following traditional rites and rituals, respecting elders and the emperor, who served as models, could cultivate inner virtue. This virtue would dictate following the Way no matter what external circumstances arose; a virtuous person in Confucius's sense could be counted on to act according to the Way regardless of whether there were external reasons compelling him to act in that manner. Confucius had a very highly evolved notion of humankind and its ability to act virtuously, and it was a notion the Legalists did not share. Their philosophy flew in the face of Confucianism, and Confucians refused to accept their new ways of thinking.

Consequently, Shi Huang Ti ordered the burning of the Confucian classics, and even had Confucian scholars who refused to give up their books and teachings buried alive. In this painting, Shi Huang Ti's eyes have been scratched out, reflecting the hatred many Chinese had for him.

Shi Huang Ti's policy of moving forward rather than respecting the rites and rituals of tradition forced him to exterminate Confucianism. He abolished the law of primogeniture, according to which property is passed from the father to the eldest son. This custom had the effect of strengthening the nobility, as they were able to amass great estates and pass them intact to their eldest son. Shi Huang Ti wanted to break the power of the nobility, and so forced them to divide their property among all sons.

Shi Huang Ti also wanted to unify trade in China, and so found it necessary to standardize the various forms of currency used in China. Before Shi Huang Ti, the currency was called the Ming Tao, or "imitations of useful tools." Click on the link to see some Ming Tao coins. The 1/2 ounce Pan Liang coin with the square hole in the center became the standard coin. Its circular shape represents the heavens, while the square hole in the center represents the earth. Click on the link here to see a similar coin from the Han dynasty. If you are interested in numismatics, you can also visit the Chinese Coinage Website or Chinese Numismatics in Research.

His ministers also saw to it that writing was standardized. Today, there are five styles of calligraphy, which were first standardized in the reign of Shi Huang Ti in the third century B.C.E. You can further explore these styles of calligraphy by clicking on the link here to China the Beautiful, and clicking on calligraphy. For your assignment, please define the five styles of calligraphy.

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copyright © Dr. Deborah Vess 1998-2001, Georgia College & State University and the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. All rights reserved. Rights to chapters authored by contributing faculty members reserved to Georgia College & State University, to the Interdisciplinary Studies Program at GC&SU, and to the individual faculty authors.