Through the ages, the dragon has been an important symbol for the Chinese. A time of Golden Dragons is the most auspicious possible. In fascinating text and beautiful paintings, Song Nan and Hao Yu Zhang trace the dragon’s history. Perhaps inspired by giant crocodiles, the image of the dragon affects every aspect of life in China, including the marking of dragon years, the flying of dragon kites, and the eating of dragon cakes at dragon boat races.

A splendid introduction to the richness of Chinese culture, this is a book to cherish this special year and for years to come.
  • NOMINEE | 2002
    Silver Birch Award for Non-Fiction
“The fluidity of line and subtle colors … echo centuries of tradition, while the sense of detail gives the work a personal stamp.”
Publishers Weekly

Praise for A Time of Golden Dragons:

“Song Nan Zhang’s lavish illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to this bounty of dragon lore… a wonderful book … dragon enthusiasts of all ages will be delighted.…”
The Asian Reporter

“…accurate, colourful, detailed illustrations that allow the reader to visualize and remember the significance of China’s dragon symbols.”
Calliope
© Song Nan Zhang
Tundra artist Song Nan Zhang was born in Shanghai. He received a Masters degree from the Beijing Central Institute of Fine Arts, and his paintings have been exhibited in galleries around the world. After teaching at the Central Institute for several years, he visited Montreal, Canada, and decided to settle there with his wife and two sons to pursue his painting full time. His works on canvas have been regularly exhibited in eastern Canada, notably at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. View titles by Song Nan Zhang

About

Through the ages, the dragon has been an important symbol for the Chinese. A time of Golden Dragons is the most auspicious possible. In fascinating text and beautiful paintings, Song Nan and Hao Yu Zhang trace the dragon’s history. Perhaps inspired by giant crocodiles, the image of the dragon affects every aspect of life in China, including the marking of dragon years, the flying of dragon kites, and the eating of dragon cakes at dragon boat races.

A splendid introduction to the richness of Chinese culture, this is a book to cherish this special year and for years to come.

Awards

  • NOMINEE | 2002
    Silver Birch Award for Non-Fiction

Reviews

“The fluidity of line and subtle colors … echo centuries of tradition, while the sense of detail gives the work a personal stamp.”
Publishers Weekly

Praise for A Time of Golden Dragons:

“Song Nan Zhang’s lavish illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to this bounty of dragon lore… a wonderful book … dragon enthusiasts of all ages will be delighted.…”
The Asian Reporter

“…accurate, colourful, detailed illustrations that allow the reader to visualize and remember the significance of China’s dragon symbols.”
Calliope

Author

© Song Nan Zhang
Tundra artist Song Nan Zhang was born in Shanghai. He received a Masters degree from the Beijing Central Institute of Fine Arts, and his paintings have been exhibited in galleries around the world. After teaching at the Central Institute for several years, he visited Montreal, Canada, and decided to settle there with his wife and two sons to pursue his painting full time. His works on canvas have been regularly exhibited in eastern Canada, notably at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. View titles by Song Nan Zhang