現代文化界及學術界對「藝術」的解釋係融合西方對藝術觀念及傳統藝術思想而成。西方藝術觀念的流變，學者多所討論，而中國傳統藝術包含的內容及性質的演變，則少有專文或專書論述。本文從「藝」、「術」二字的涵義開始，就古代書目「藝術類」及唐宋書目藝術類收錄著述的範圍，探討古人對藝術觀念的演變，及某些藝術作品及藝術活動逐步脫離道德教化的過程。此與西方藝術的發展有參照之作用，對現今藝術概念的理解，亦應有所助益。

Scholars interpret the concepts of modern art as a blend of Western and traditional ideas about art. Although the development of Western art is the subject of much discussion among scholars, there are comparatively few discourses on the evolution of the nature and content of traditional Chinese art. Beginning with an investigation of the meaning of the characters yi 藝 and shu 術, and limiting its scope to relevant Tang and Song dynasty writings, this article aims to study the development of ancient ideas on art, and the process of the gradual break from traditional moral education illustrated by certain art works and activities. This may serve as a comparative reference when studying the development of Western art, and may also prove useful in understanding the concepts of modern-day art.