Chineselindsay  +  587286 Thu, 13 Nov 08 02:57 PM Dear teachers, We must observe the paintings of the early Chinese people as if we were up in the air( I don't understand this phrase), or we cannot properly appreciate them. These painters usually viewed their subjects from above(what is above refers to?). Thank you in advance. Lindsay Chineselindsay Joined on Sun, Oct 19 2008 suzhou,China Full Member 101

	AlpheccaStars  +  587288 Thu, 13 Nov 08 03:03 PM  "Up in the air" means like a bird flying. "From above "  - above is a noun, not a preposition in this phrase. It means "from high up" Like you were standing on a very tall building, looking down AlpheccaStars Joined on Sun, Oct 12 2008 Senior Member 3,508 The pen is mightier than the sword. Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1803-1873) Nouns, Prepositions

	AlpheccaStars  +  587289 Thu, 13 Nov 08 03:03 PM  "Up in the air" means like a bird flying. "From above "  - above is a noun, not a preposition in this phrase. It means "from high up" Like you were standing on a very tall building, looking down AlpheccaStars Nouns, Prepositions

	Chineselindsay  +  587295 Thu, 13 Nov 08 03:25 PM Thank you AlpheccaStars, So, the meaning of this sentence is that If we want to appreciate this paintings of the early Chinese people, we have to imagine we are like a bird flying , beacuse these painters always viewed their subjects from a high place? Chineselindsay

	AlpheccaStars  +  587297 Thu, 13 Nov 08 03:28 PM  Yes, you do understand. I have seen many of these beautiful old scrolls. The subject is mountains, water and bamboo trees. Sometimes there are birds and animals, too. AlpheccaStars

	Chineselindsay  +  587302 Thu, 13 Nov 08 03:40 PM yes, Chinese painters usually use these subject because they are a symbol of something. For example, bamboo, in Chinese "zhu" means gentleman. and these things own poetic imagery. Oh, my poor English. Chineselindsay

	AlpheccaStars  +  587306 Thu, 13 Nov 08 03:52 PM  What is the symbol of a tiger with bamboo? AlpheccaStars

	AlpheccaStars  +  587316 Thu, 13 Nov 08 04:41 PM  Unfortunately not. I saw it  in the Asian collection of calligraphy at the museum yesterday, but don't remember the date or the painter. I think it was Ming Dynasty. AlpheccaStars Dates