ASIAN_ART

BSN 1 YA-5 ASIAN ART

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Overview of topics covered in Asian Art

• Chinese Art

• Indian Art

• Japanese Art

• Tibetan Art

• Korean Art

• Nepalese Art

INTRODUCTION

• Asian art history encompasses a diverse range of influences from various cultures and religions.

• Developments in Asian art historically parallel those in Western art but often occurred earlier.

• Significant influences include Chinese, Indian, Korean, Japanese art, and Near Eastern art on Western art.

• Mesopotamian art represents the oldest forms of Asian art, excluding prehistoric forms.

CHINESE ART

• Continuous art traditions in China date back to 10,000 B.C.E., including pottery and sculptures.

• Artistic traditions preserved by scholars and nobles over successive dynasties.

Types of Chinese Art

• Painting: Various formats like silk scrolls, screens, and book covers.

• Calligraphy: Emphasizing control and skill with brush and ink; introduced in the Han dynasty.

• Architecture

• Pottery

• Sculptures

• Bronzes

• Jade carvings

Ancient Chinese Calligraphy

• Calligraphy became widely respected during the Han dynasty, requiring proficiency among educated individuals.

• Lady Wei was a notable calligrapher who taught Wang Xizhi, a master of the art.

Ancient Chinese Painting

• Popular formats included murals, silk, and bamboo surfaces.

• Themes primarily revolved around portraits and landscapes.

Ancient Chinese Pottery

• Xianrendong Cave pottery represents the oldest known pots.

• The Han dynasty brought advancements in kiln techniques.

Influence of Philosophies on Chinese Art

• Chinese philosophical traditions, especially Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, shaped art to reflect harmony between humans and the universe.

INDIAN ART

• Indian art comprises painting, sculpture, pottery, and textiles. It geographically covers India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and parts of Afghanistan.

• Strong design sensibility is evident in both modern and traditional forms, reaching back to prehistoric settlements in the 3rd millennium BC.

• Influenced by various religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Islam.

Historical Development

• Indian art has distinct periods influenced by political, cultural, and religious changes.

• Early art dates back to petroglyphs found in Bhimbetka, extending through the Indus Valley Civilization.

• Key sites include the Ajanta and Ellora caves, showcasing frescoes and architectural sculptures.

Influence of Indian Art

• Often exported via Indian religions to Southeast Asia and influenced by Central Asia, Iran, and Europe.

Key Artworks

• Instanced pieces like Yakshi from the Great Stupa and sculptures from Mohenjodaro.

• Mughal miniatures and architecture, like the Taj Mahal, symbolize Indian art's evolution.

JAPANESE ART

• Japanese art features a wide array of styles across historical periods, influenced by Chinese and Korean art traditions.

• Incorporates pottery, sculpture, calligraphy, and landscape painting, reflecting both religious and secular themes.

Artistic Influences

• absorbed foreign artistic traditions over centuries,

• Western interactions in the 19th century led to Japanese art's significant impact on European movements like Impressionism and Cubism.

• Contemporary themes often tackle identity and technology.

• Anime has gained global popularity since the 1990s.

Haniwa and Shintoism

• Haniwa figures served ritual purposes, and Shintoism emphasizes nature worship.

Ukiyo-e Movement

• Flourished from the 17th to 19th centuries, producing woodblock prints addressing various subjects.

Notable Artists

• Hokusai's "Great Wave of Kanagawa" remains iconic for its details and craftsmanship.

• Hiroshige's landscapes reflect Japan's geographical beauty.

• Sharaku is known for actor portraits, predominantly in kabuki theater.

KOREAN ART

• Korean art culture uniquely assimilates and modifies influences from China, marked by simplicity and elegance.

• Historical art forms include calligraphy, painting, and pottery.

Historical Eras in Korean Art

• Neolithic Art: Transitioned with comb-pattern pottery known for its decoration.

• Bronze Age: Introduction of bronze tools, symbolizing authority.

• **Iron Age:**marked the transition from bronze with notable cultural developments.

Three Kingdoms of Korea

• Goguryeo: Assess its extensive territory control and cultural contributions.

• Baekje: Integral for introducing Buddhism.

• Silla: Utilized shrewd diplomacy for alliances.

Korean Calligraphy and Painting

• Art expresses personality through brush stroke and reflects Confucian values.

• Conditions styles evolved over time, with Buddhist and confucian influences.

TIBETAN ART

• Tibetan art, strongly tied to Himalayan culture and northern Buddhism, advanced significantly since the 7th century.

Characteristics of Tibetan Art

• Includes stone carvings, murals, and religious paintings.

• Artists adhered to strict guidelines for proportion and color relative to spiritual depictions.

Sacred Art

• Sand Mandalas are notable for their intricate patterns and symbolic meanings.

BHUTANESE ART

• Bhutanese art is heavily influenced by Buddhism and reflects spiritual beliefs in its craftsmanship.

13 Traditional Arts and Crafts

1. Lhazo - Wall Paintings

2. Jimzo - Sculpting

3. Shingzo - Wood Carving

4. Parzo - Carving

5. Dezo - Papermaking

6. Dozo - Masonry

7. Shagzo - Wood Turning

8. Thagzo - Weaving

9. Tshemzo - Embroidery

10. Lugzo - Casting

11. Tsharzo - Cane Weaving

12. Garzo - Blacksmithing

13. Troeko - Metal Ornaments

CONCLUSION

• Asian art encompasses a rich tapestry of cultural, religious, and philosophical influences across different countries.

• Each region showcases unique traditions and artistic expressions reflecting its history and society.