FINAL ACC MIDTERM REVIEW - Google Docs

Chinese Art and Literature Overview

Chinese Art

• General Characteristics

  • Utilizes animal and flower decorations.

Tang Dynasty (618-907)

• Key Features

  • Known for military strength.

  • Golden age of Chinese poetry; poetry was essential for government officials and part of the civil service exam.

  • Colorful paintings featuring color waves and blends of red, blue, green, yellow, and brown.

  • Sancai ceramics: three-color technique utilized.

  • Tombs of elites decorated with glazed ceramics, showcasing muscle detail in sculpted figures.

  • Distinctive fluffy clouds in artwork.

  • Made significant sculptures, including scenes like Minghuang’s Journey to Shu.

Song Dynasty

• Characteristics

  • Weaker political structure due to corruption and invasions, leading to political disunification.

  • Architectural achievements during this period.

  • Peak of painting from 960-1279, focusing on realistic perspectives and less color than Tang.

  • Emphasized landscapes with humans depicted as small within the vastness of nature, reflecting Taoist and Buddhist themes.

  • Renowned for serene beauty and introspection in nature.

  • Significant works include Travelers Amid Mountains and Streams.

Ming Dynasty

• Philosophy and Techniques

  • Followed the "Less is More" philosophy.

  • Known as the "Blue and White Dynasty" for its porcelain craftsmanship, but also used a wider color palette.

  • Notable for large-scale landscapes and detailed depictions of flowers and birds.

  • Artistic styles include:

    • Court Style: Formal, refined, focused on calligraphy.

    • Literature Style: Heavier brush strokes.

  • Examples of artwork include Poet on a Mountain Top and Grooms and Horses, indicating the shift in focus toward individual portrayal.

Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368)

• Artistic Shift

  • Adopted the "Less is More" aesthetic during Mongol rule.

  • Emphasized serene, minimalistic landscapes, as seen in Twelve Views of Landscape, contrasting with prior styles.

  • Red stamps on paintings signified royal approval and authenticity.

  • The influence of chaos and invasions reflected in artistic themes and styles.

Chinese Literature

• Themes

  • Poetry reflects nature, social dynamics, and socio-political environments.

  • Book of Songs (Shi Jing): influential anthology with balanced lyricism and symmetry.

  • Competitive civil service exams focused on poetry and Confucian classics; approximately 5% pass rate.

Key Poets of the Tang Dynasty

• Du Fu: Known as the "Historian Poet" for his focus on war and suffering, notably during the Lushan Rebellion.

  • Wang Wei: "Painter Poet" blending visual imagery with poetry.

  • Li Bai (Li Po): The "Drunken Poet," famous for Carpe Diem themes, emphasizing enjoyment of life amidst fleeting existence.

Calligraphy and Influence

• Wang Xi Zhi: Renowned calligrapher, influenced calligraphy styles post-Han Dynasty, using different techniques and scripts.

The Hadith and Islamic Principles

Understanding the Hadith

• Definition: Sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, collected between the 8th-9th centuries.

• Types of Hadiths convey principles and social conduct in Islam.

• Key teachings focus on mercy, social cohesion, community behavior, and charity.

Key Themes in Hadith

• Social Conduct

  • Importance of maintaining dignity and respect in public spaces.

  • Emphasis on charity and community support.

• Teaching Passages:

  • Expiation, rights of the street, and discussions on humanity, reflecting an ethical way of living.

Comparisons with Christianity

• Both religions preach monotheism, but with key theological differences regarding Jesus and the nature of God.

Cultural Interactions and Influences in Islam

Islamic Art and Influence

• Emphasizes the avoidance of figural representation, focusing on calligraphy and geometric designs to reflect religious identity.

• Persian and Chinese influences seen in Islamic artwork, particularly through trade and cultural exchanges.

Key Concepts in Islamic Art

• Interconnectedness: Influence of various cultures, including Persian and Mughal adaptations, which blended Islamic and figural art.

• Architectural Features: Mosques and monuments such as the Taj Mahal reflect Islamic artistic precision and decoration with Persian elements.

Modern Cultural Reception

• Modern thinkers and artists draw on these historical truths, reinterpreting them through contemporary lenses while exploring the depth of spiritual understanding in cultures.