asian art study guide

Indus valley civilization

• Known for its advanced urban planning, standardized brick sizes, and sophisticated sanitation systems

mohenjo-daro

• one of the major urban centers

great bath

• possibly used for ritual purification

• early example of public architecture

stamp seals

• often depicted animals

• used for trade or identification

buddha

• depicted after enlightenment

• calm expression, elongated earlobes, hand gestures

urna

• a dot between the eyebrows

• symbolizes spiritual insight

ushnisha

• cranial bump or top knot

• represents wisdom and enlightenment

mudra

• symbolic hand gesture

chakra

• wheel

• symbol of Dharma

• on palms and soles of the Buddha

stupa

• a mound-like structure containing relics

• place of meditation

axis mundi

central cosmic pillar connecting heaven and earth

shiva

major deity

shiva nataraja

• lord of dance

• symbolizing cosmic cycles of creation and destruction

abhaya mudra

• gesture of reassurance and protection

• raised right hand, palm outward

mithuna

• depictions of loving couples on temple walls

• symbolizing fertility and divine union

borobudur

• massive buddhist temple

• mandala layout

taotie

• a stylized animal mask motif on ancient bronze vessels

• symbolizes mystery or spiritual power

yangshao culture

• neolithic

• known for painted pottery with geometric designs

jade bi disc

• circular jade object with central hole

• associated with heaven and used in ritual

terra-cotta army

• burial site of Qin Shi Huang, first emperor of unified China

• thousands of life-sized clay soldiers

three-color glazed horse

• glazed earthenware figures

• decorated with cobalt blue under glaze

haniwa

• terracotta figures placed around burial mounds (kofun)

• served as guardians

pagoda

• multi-tiered tower structure

• evolved from Indian stupas

• symbolizes sacred mountains

wabi sabi

aesthetic philosophy embracing imperfection, impermamnence, and simplicity

rinpa style

decorative art style combining gold and silver backgrounds, bold colors, and nature themes

ukiyo-e

• “pictures of the floating world”

• woodblock prints showing entertaining, landscapes

confucianism

emphasizes moral order, hierarchy, education

literati art

scholarly painting combining poetry, calligraphy, and landscapes

Daoism

harmony with nature, spontaneity

zen buddhism

emphasizes direct experiences, meditation

tea ceremony

ritualized simplicity and mindfulness

wabi sabi

underpins zen aesthetics

indian artwork

• the great stupa at sanchi

• shiva nataraja

chinese artwork

• fan kuan, travelers among streams and mountains

• forbidden city and classical gardens

japanese artwork

• ise shrine, main hall, inner shrine

• phoenix hall