Asian Art Exam 2 (Vocab Words)

Han Dynasty

Known for reunifying China after Qin Dynasty, established Confucianism and the development of the civil service 

Daoism

“the way/the path”, highly values nature, harmony of yin/yang to achieve balance, type of traditional Chinese belief/religion 

Northern Wei Dynasty

Non-Chinese dynasty, silk road trade routes became active, adopted Buddhism as the state religion, known as the “period of division” (non-Chinese rulers took over)  

Mature Northern Wei style

The style is known for its long flowy robes, the drapery of fabric, body definition is hidden/less defines, more modest appearance of Buddha

Tang Dynasty

One of the most powerful dynasty of China’s history, China becomes the most prominent civilizations in East Asia, links with Korea and Japan 

Mahayana Buddhism

Belief in the “cosmic Buddha”-all other Buddhas originate from this transcendent Buddha

Pagoda

Structure/building originates from the spire of a stupa, tiered tower with odd number of tiers, made to hold relics/altars or circumambulate 

Pure Land Buddhism-Amitabha

Known as the “Buddha of Infinite Light”, key figure in Pure Land Buddhism, very compassionate figure

Sancai Glaze/Ware

Known as the 3 color glaze, its a type of Chinese pottery glazing that allows for 3 colors to be used

Song Dynasty

General time of stability and economic/cultural/artistic prosperity, ceramic ware is considered one of the greatest accomplishment of the Song Dynasty

Pure Land Buddhism

They believe that you are reborn in the “pure land” so that it will be easier to achieve enlightenment (enlightenment is more accessible), belief in Amitabha Buddha, form of Mahayana Buddhism

Cizhou ware/style

This type of pottery uses a slip technique of scratching it to create details (a sgraffito technique) 

Ming Dynasty

Known for the dramatic increase in the commercialization of their art (specifically porcelain, ceramic ware), time of relative peace and prosperity

Dong-Ju Style of Painting

Painting style popular in the Ming Dynasty, it is characterized by its hemp fiber strokes, vegetative dotting, negative space for mist, and trees with exposed trunks 

Qing Dynasty

Founded by northeast Asian people (The Manchus), unstable time for China politically, substantial lengthy interactions with Western Europe