OBJECTIVES

CHINA

• Rich history of arts and crafts spanning thousands of years.

• Known for intricate designs and use of natural materials.

• Reflects philosophies such as Confucianism and Taoism, symbolizing harmony, nature, and spirituality.

• Significant influence on global art and culture.

INFLUENTIAL PHILOSOPHIES IN ART

• Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism greatly influenced East Asian art.

• Chinese art highlights the connection between nature and humanity.

• Emphasis on the metaphysical and Daoist aspects, particularly in painting.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

LANDSCAPE PAINTING

• Considered the highest form of Chinese painting.

• Techniques involve using water-based inks and paints on paper scrolls.

• Long history, peaked during the Five Dynasties and Northern Song periods—known as the "Great Age of Chinese Landscape" for its artistic excellence.

• Significant advancement during the Tang dynasty (618-907).

• Increased demand for Buddhist icons contributed to its development.

• Example: "A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains" by Wang Ximen.

CALLIGRAPHY (SHUFA)

• In Chinese, it means "beautiful handwriting."

• Earliest examples found on oracle bones and bronze vessels.

• Oldest examples date back to the Shang dynasty (ca. 1600–1100 B.C.E.).

• Example: "First Ode to the Red Cliff" by Su Shi (1082).

PRINTING TECHNIQUES

• Technique for printing text, images, or patterns originated in China.

• Originally used on textiles; later adapted for paper.

• Earliest surviving examples date back to before 220 AD.

• Example: Woodblock Printing - "Picture of a Western Theatre."

ARCHITECTURE

CHINESE ARCHITECTURE

• Temples, palaces, and houses feature sweeping roofs.

• Curved roofs are believed to ward off evil spirits; straight lines represent these spirits.

• Figures at the tip of the roof are called roof guards.

TYPES OF ROOFS

STRAIGHT INCLINED ROOFS

• Most economical design with sharp, steep pitch.

• Efficient water drainage, preventing leaks.

• Symbolizes stability and strength in architecture.

• Example: Zijin Cheng (Forbidden City).

MULTI-INCLINED ROOFS

• Roofs with two or more sections, creating a complex design.

• Commonly found in wealthy individuals' residences.

• Symbolizes status and luxury.

• Example: Puning Temple (Big Buddha Temple).

SWEEPING ROOFS

• Features curves rising at the corners, representing elegance.

• Associated with temples, palaces, and wealth.

• Symbolizes grandeur and spiritual significance.

• Example: Chinese Pagoda.

PERFORMING ARTS

PEKING OPERA FACE PAINTING (JINGJU LIANPU)

• The oldest and most important theatrical tradition in China, dating back to 3000 B.C.E.

• Traditional makeup style aims to create character effects during performances.

• Originally referred to as "the false mask."

PAPER ARTS

INNOVATION OF PAPER

• Invented by Cai Lun during the Eastern Han dynasty using plant fibers.

• One of the greatest contributions of ancient China to arts.

• Revolutionized art, literature, and knowledge-sharing practices.

PAPER FOLDING (ZHEZHI)

• Involves folding paper; significant in Chinese funerals using yuanbao.

• Yuanbao represents gold nuggets in various ceremonial practices.

• Gained international popularity in the mid-1900s.

PAPER CUTTING (JIANZHI)

• First type of paper-cutting invented in China.

• Commonly used to decorate doors and windows.

• Initially made by women for hair decoration in temples; men used in rituals.

• Invented by Cai Lun during the Han Dynasty in 105 A.D.

KITE MAKING

• Invented about 2300 years ago as a military tool for communication and distance measuring.

• Considered a significant contribution of China in science and technology to Europe.

• Chinese philosopher Mo-tse credited with the first kite design.

KNOT TYING (ZHOGGUO)

• Decorative handicraft originating as folk art during the Tang and Song dynasties.

• Became popular in the Ming Dynasty and spread to Japan and Korea.