Art History

Asian Art

Influences of religion, spiritual beliefs, and philosophy to art

Hinduism

Refers to the predominant religion in India, oldest living religion in the world.

Buddhism

Believes in the cycle of rebirth; founded by Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha)

Siddhartha Gautama

Founder of Buddhism, also known as the buddha

Bani Thani

Christened India’s Mona Lisa

Lingaraj Temple

A fine example of North Indian Nagara style of temple architecture

Shiva Nataraja

The lord of the dance, depicted as having multiple arms common for Hindu idols

The Great Stupa

An ancient Buddhist monument in India

Confucianism

Inspired by the writings and teachings of Confucius; provides ethical and educational function for society

Daoism

Represents harmonious relationship between human and nature; originated by Laozi (Lao Tzu)

Three Laughters at Tiger Ravine

A Japanese artwork showing Confucius, Lao Tzu, and Buddha meeting, symbolizing harmony between the three philosophers.

Shijing (Classic of poetry)

The first song of the classic of poetry handwritten by the Qianlong Emperor

Book of Documents

A page of an annotated Shujing manuscript from the 7th century, held by the Tokyo National Museum

Calligraphy in Memory of my Nephew

Zhenging created this peace of work to commemorate his nephew who sacrificed his life for the country

The Tao of Winnie the Pooh

There are three secrets to being happy (Compassion, Humility and Moderation)

Shintoism

Focuses on ancestral worship and rituals; spiritual power exists in the natural world

Kami

Shintoism belief that inhabits natural phenomena such as rocks, waterfalls, trees and mountains

Samurai Culture

Became the driving force behind many kinds of artworks and decorative art objects

Samurai Culture

Swords and armor, symbolizing military power, and garments and paintings are made during Momoyama period

Mounted Warrior

A samurai culture painting of a warrior wearing armor on horseback and differs from stereotypical portraits of warriors later

Christianity

Focuses on the life and teachings Jesus Christ.

Islam

Represents the art and architecture through the muslim world

Arabesque inlays

Geometrical designs in repetition, used in Islamic art to symbolize transcendent, invisible and infinite nature of God