ARTS-8

Painting Subjects or Themes

1. China

   • Flowers and birds

   • Landscapes

   • Palaces and temples

   • Human figures

   • Animals

   • Bamboos and stones

2. Japan

   • Scenes from everyday life

   • Narrative scenes crowded with figures and details

3. Korea

   • Five categories:

     1. Landscape paintings

     2. Minhwa (traditional folk painting)

     3. Four Gracious Plants (plum blossoms, orchids, chrysanthemums, bamboo)

     4. Bamboo

     5. Portraits

Important Aspects of East Asian Painting

• China

  • Landscape painting is the highest form, emphasizing nature, heaven, and humankind (Yin-Yang).

  • Art reflects the relationship between nature and humans (e.g., landscapes, bamboo, birds, flowers).

  • Painting transitioned to paper after Cai Lun invented it during the Han Dynasty.

  • Influences: Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism.

  • Six principles by Xie He (5th Century):

    1. Rhythm and movement

    2. Space for the eyes to rest

    3. Brush techniques from calligraphy

    4. Correct use of colors

    5. Copy master artworks

    6. Proportion accuracy

• Korea

  • Korean painting history dates to 108 C.E.

  • Mountain and water are central to Korean landscapes (temples and buildings).

  • Influenced by Chinese paintings until the Joseon Dynasty, incorporating facial features, Buddhist themes, and celestial observations.

Arts

• Calligraphy and Painting

  • Chinese calligraphy is the art of beautiful handwriting using brushes with black or colored ink.

  • Mounted on scrolls, album sheets, folding screens, walls, etc.

  • Calligraphy often includes poetry.

• Chinese Calligraphy Origins

  • Early logographs (shell-and-bone script) influenced by animal footprints and natural patterns.

Architecture

• East Asian Temples

  • Sweeping roofs protect against water, wind, fire, and ward off evil spirits.

  • Three roof types:

    1. Straight inclined: economical for common architecture

    2. Multi-inclined: for wealthy residences

    3. Sweeping: reserved for temples, palaces, and wealthy homes.

Arts and Crafts

1. Woodblock Printing

   • Originated in China for textiles, then adapted to paper.

   • Adopted in Japan during the Edo Period (1603–1867).

   • Themes: Scenes from daily life with detailed narratives.

2. Japanese Ukiyo-e

   • "Pictures of the floating world" depict harmony and everyday life.

   • Popular among both royalty and commoners.

Performance Art

• Peking Opera (China)

  • Face-painting (Jingju Lianpu) reflects personality traits and history.

    • Red: bravery, loyalty

    • Green: impulsiveness, lack of self-restraint

    • White: treachery, craftiness

    • Black: boldness, impartiality

    • Purple: nobility, uprightness

  • Heroic characters have simpler designs; villains have complex patterns.

• Kabuki (Japan)

  • Kesho (makeup) conveys roles:

    • Standard makeup: for most actors

    • Kumadori: dramatic colors for heroes/villains (e.g., red for anger, blue for sadness).

• Korean Masks

  • Religious origins used in funerals, shamanistic rites, and performances.

  • Color meanings:

    • Black, red, white: establish age and race

    • Half red/white: symbolizes dual heritage

Folk Arts

1. China

   • Paper: Invented by Cai Lun, used in folding (e.g., sycee for funerals).

   • Paper cutting (Jianzhi): Symmetrical designs for decorations, believed to attract good luck.

2. Japan (Origami)

   • Originated in the 17th century.

   • Popularized during Shinto weddings and evolved into a modern art form.

   • Common models: flowers, animals, birds, fish, dolls.

3. Kite Making

   • Kites were traditionally made of silk or paper.