中国的传统工艺源远流长，种类繁多，技艺精湛，科学技术和文化内涵极为丰富，其影响遍及社会生活的各个方面。所有传世和出土的人工制作的文物几乎都出自传统工艺，据此，在一定程度上可以说，中国古代灿烂多彩的物质文明是由众多传统工艺所创造的。即此一端，可见传统工艺对于民族和社会的发展曾起过何等重大的历史作用。传统工艺的现代价值同样不容忽视。作为中华民族固有文化重要组成部分的传统工艺，既是弥足珍贵的科学遗产，又是技术基因的载体。

The heaven has time, the earth has vitality, material has beauty, work has ingenuity. Chinese arts and crafts enjoy a unique reputation in the history of material civilization among various nations in the world. For several thousands of years, people's handicrafts in their development echoed with the rhythm of lifo working with the rising sun and reposing at sunset. All species of handicrafts in their earliest states are related to usage: always practical, plain and warm, and in possession of a wisdom that adapts to agricultural civilization. Even the high-end handicrafts at the court and among the literati, such unpretentious tradition still remain and reveal a touch of pragmatic trace. All this is associated with the everlasting farming culture of China and her exceptional geographical position; which has left us rich cultural heritage in which wisdom of life and human creation is contained.

Preface

History and Background of the Traditional Arts and Crafts of China

 Arts and Crafts during the Primitive Society

 Arts and Crafts during the Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties

 Arts and Crafts during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period

 Arts and Crafts during the Qin and Han Dynasties

 Arts and Crafts during the Six Dynasties

 Arts and Crafts during the Sui, Tang and Five Dynasties

 Arts and Crafts during the Song, Liao, ]in and Yuan Dynasties

 Arts and Crafts during the Ming-Qing Dynasties and Republic of China

Arts and Crafts in the Field of Utensil Ceramics

 Bronze Ware

 Lacquer

Arts and Crafts in the Field of Appareler

 Embroidery

 Printing and Dyeing

 Silk Weaving

Arts and Crafts in the Field of Furnishings

 Furniture

 Gold and Silver Ware, Glassware, Enamelware

 Bamboo Carving, Wood Carving, Ivory Carving

Arts and Crafts in the Field of Adornment

 Jade Artwork

 Paper-cut

 New Year Picture

Arts and Crafts in the Field of Entertainment

 Toy

 Kite

 Puppet

 Silhouette

Arts and Crafts in the Field of Commerce

 Shop Sign

 Packaging

Legends concerning Traditional Arts and Crafts of China

The Transition and Development of Traditional Chinese Arts and Crafts at the Present Age

Appendix: Chronological Table of the Chinese Dynasties