The fall of the Han empire in 220 led to a long period of disunion. After 316, North and South were divided and each had its own series of regimes. Development of esthetic theory in literature, calligraphy and painting - written by practitioners of these arts. Longmen caves - near Luoyang, Henan. Dunhuang - oasis in NW Gansu, on Silk Route.
Early caves show mixture of Central Asian and Chinese styles.
Developed informal writing into a high art, one that was particularly revealing of the artist's personality. Admonitions of the Court Instructress to the Palace Ladies.