LESSON ART IN ASIA

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Week 18

Learning Objectives:
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
1. Identify key influences to Chinese art;
2. Identify key characteristics of Japanese art;
3. Compare and contrast Chinese and Japanese artworks;
4. Trace the development of Philippine art;
5. Discuss the concept of okir; and
6. Explain how art can be a key element in the formation of a society’s culture.

Overview
When ancient civilizations in Asia flourished, trade became a very important activity.
In the process of establishing trading relationships among Asian countries, they
started sharing their cultures and belief systems. China, being one of the oldest
civilizations in Asia, has a rich history when it comes to culture and the arts. Most of
their cultural and even religious beliefs and practices are represented through
different artworks. Japan was initially influenced by China in terms of the arts. Later
on, they opened themselves to the Western world, allowing for the fusion of East
and West. Both Chinese and Japanese artworks are concrete manifestations of their
cultural identity as a people. Philippine art was a product of several periods in history
spanning from the pre-colonial period to the contemporary times. Depending on a
given context, art in the Philippines has served various uses from everyday living to
expression of belief systems and advocacies.

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Let’s Get Started
Activity 1

Think of a belief that you hold strongly to. Then think of a way how you
can represent that particular belief system. You may write a paragraph or draw
an illustration as a means of representation of your answer.

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Chinese Art
In the present context, China is at the forefront of economic development. Its
booming economy has led to its modernization. In addition, history shows that China
has been at the leading edge of development especially in terms of cultural
development. Inhabitants of China in the past were able to produce primitive artisan
works. Excavated pieces show bronze vessels with intricate designs depicting a lot of
imagery dating from the second millennium BCE. The Chinese during the Zhou
Dynasty was under a feudal kind of social system. It was a parallel period with that
of Greece’s Golden Age: a period when culture, particularly art, has flourished
tremendously. During this period, metal works befitting the royal family were
produced in abundance. Jade was also a popular choice of material for artworks.
Confucianism was the dominant way of life subscribed to by the general
public. Those who subscribed to principles espoused by Confucius believed that in
order for society to work, one must learn how to sympathize to others. These
principles became evident in most artworks depicting everyday life and how these
social interactions come to play.
The Chinese also had interactions with Western missionaries who came from
India and brought some of the Indian influences to China. Because of this, Indian
models inspired a lot of Chinese artists for a few centuries. By the start of the sixth
century, Chinese artists started making art that highlighted their very own culture.
Paintings usually depicted magical places and realms that were out of sheer
imagination while still infusing the Chinese characters that define their culture. It
was a dominant belief that a great power coming from a higher spirit is the one
moving the artist and his work together.
Most paintings were done in monumental styles wherein rocks and mountains
served as a barrier that made the viewer distracted initially from the main subject of
the work. Rounded forms rise in a way that if flows from the background into the
foreground. Artists also used sharp brushstrokes to provide detail in their works.
Western landscapes usually had a single vanishing point while Chinese paintings had
the opposite since most paintings aimed to give the audience a multiple perspective
on the subject.
Porcelain is one of the commonly used items to make decorative ornaments,
such as vases and jars. Some artifacts from excavation sites show intricate works of
the Chinese in these porcelain vases. This can be attributed to the tradition of
passing down the artistry from one generation to the next. Just like most Chinese
artworks, the focal point in these vases depicts a central theme: nature. They
believe that man is an integral part of nature ensuring that there is a certain balance
in it. But part of their culture is emphasizing a form of social life, giving importance
to communities and interactions among people. In addition, some of the common
overarching themes of Chinese artworks include everyday activities, war and
violence, death, and nature. It can also be noted that Chinese artworks are infused

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with a lot of symbolisms. Art becomes an avenue for the artist to convey his
reflection of the things he is aware of.

Porcelain Vase from China

It is customary for the ancient Chinese people to show respect for their
ancestors and departed relatives. From a Western point of view, this reverence of
the Chinese can be mistaken for as that of worshipping gods. Most of the departed
of the ancient Chinese were placed in either gold or bronze vessels, depending on
their social status.

Japanese Art
Art in japan has undergone a series
of transitions and periodization. From being
an isolated nation to that of embracing
Western influences and modernization,
Japan has transitioned into a modern
cultural mixing pot. It is evident how the
Japanese were able to infuse local and
indigenous materials with modern Western
subjects and focal points.
Based on artifacts such as ceramic
figures and ornaments, it is important to
take note that there are Korean and Chinese
influences evident in Japanese artworks.
One of the ceramic products created by the
Japanese is called Haniwa. These are ceramic figures that are Haniwa
made House
up of clay. They
are placed beside burial spots for reasons that are unknown.

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 The native religion of Japan is Shintoism. Although, this religion subscribes to
beliefs such as being one with nature and embracing the notion of the existence of
many gods, it did not use art to communicate its beliefs. When Japan established
trading relations with China, they did not only trade goods with them but they were
also influenced by the Chinese with their religious beliefs and practices. Buddhism
became an integral part of Japanese culture. Artworks such as images and
sculptures of Buddha were produced. Buddhist temples also became staples in key
places. Art in essence became an expression of worship for the Japanese.
As mentioned earlier, Japan and China had a long-standing relationship. In
addition to Buddhism, Chin also influenced Japan in terms of paintings. After the
fourteenth century, Japan isolated itself from the rest of the world, which in effect,
gave them the avenue to let their culture flourish. The Japanese style of painting
leaned toward abstract and naturalistic handling. In essence, the artist is given the
free reign for his work, which had more room for spontaneity and individuality. Many
artists focused on individual portraits, elements of nature, and scenes from everyday
life in creating their artworks. Although the Chinese influenced them, the Japanese
adapted a more minimalist take on their paintings. This is a stark contrast with the
extravagant and sometimes over-the-top designs of the Chinese. The Japanese also
developed a kind of painting called the ukiyo-e, which was crafted through woodcut
prints. The artists developed a technique that used lines and colors in a very
distinctive manner. Some Western artists were intrigued and influenced by these
ukiyo-e paintings. An example would be the woodcuts of Hiroshige and Sharaku who
had a lasting impact on Western artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Edouard Manet.

“Ase o fuku onna” (Woman Wiping Face)

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Philippine Art
Throughout Philippine history, spanning from the precolonial period to the
contemporary periods, different art forms have emerged in the Philippine art scene.
Before the colonizers came to the Philippines, ethnic minorities have used art not
only for daily activities but also for religious rituals and practices. Most art forms
used by ethnic communities include pottery, weaving, carving, and the use of
metalwork and jewelry.
Pottery is said to be one of the earliest art forms used by the early Filipino
people. One of the most prominent artifacts related to pottery is the Manunggal Jar
found in Palawan. This jar is a representation of the early Filipinos’ religious beliefs
and practices. It serves as a burial jar, which depicts two men rowing a boat. This
reflects their belief in afterlife – the crossing of the body of water is a transition from
life here on earth unto the next. Eventually, pottery produced items that are of
practical value for the early Filipinos, such as pots for cooking and large vases for
storing. Weaving is also one of the earliest forms of art expressions in the
Philippines. One of the most popular artisans of weaving is the people from the
Cordilleras. They are known for their colourful woven cloth, which also have both
religious and practical value. The T’boli
people from Mindanao are also known
for their woven abaca cloth called
t’nalak. They use this particular cloth to
make ornaments, which also represent
their beliefs through symbols. One
example is the image of the frog, which
is their representation for fertility.
Woodcarvings from Palawan also depict
animals like birds, which are
representations of their religious beliefs.
According to local stories, the birds
serve as the messengers of the people
to the heavens and vice versa. In
Mindanao, the Tausug and Maranao
people are known for their okir, which Maranao Okir in 3D
are designs applied to their woodcarvings.
Their common subjects include the sarimanok, naga, and the pako rabong. Each
subject is a representation for a certain theme or motif but generally, these symbols
depict their beliefs as a people. The sarimanok is a stylized design of a mythical bird
either standing on a fish or holding a piece of fish on its beak. The story of the
sarimanok was a central figure to a number of legends. One narrative tells the origin
of the word sarimanok. A sultan of Lanao once threw a party for his daughter named
Sari who was beautiful but seemed unhappy with her situation. On the day of her
party, a rooster crashed and the princess ran off with the rooster. She was never
found. In memory of Sari, the Sultan carved a rooster. The Sultan’s act paved the
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way for the term sarimanok. Initially, the jewelry was used as amulets for protection
to drive away evil spirits. Eventually, some minority groups from the Cordilleras and
Cotabato utilized jewelry as ornaments integrated in their clothing. The naga forms
an S-shape, depicting an elaborate figure of a mythical dragon or serpent. The
numerous curved lines serving as detail for the figure depicts the scales. The pako
rabong, on the other hand, is like a growing fern with broad base. The fern
gracefully stems and tapers upward. The sarimanok and naga are usually used as
ornamental designs for the houses of the sultans.
When the Spaniards discovered the Philippines during the sixteenth century,
they introduced their religion to the local people. Aside from acquiring resources,
they had a goal to replace the existing indigenous cultural practices and beliefs of
the early Filipinos. Art was used by the Spaniards to propagate their Christian faith
while at the same time, subtly establishing their foothold in the country. The Church,
just like in Western Europe at one point, became the sole patron of the arts. This
can be evidently seen through the construction of churches. These churches house
various relics and paintings. There is underlying move to integrate Western culture
and ideals in the Philippine setting. Being under colonial rule, it is not surprising for
Filipinos to express their indignation and desire for liberation. Art became one of the
avenues for Filipino patriots and nationalists. Probably, one of the most famous
works that expressed Filipino nationalism and stood against the colonizers would be
Juan Luna’s “Spoliarium.” This large-scale academic painting garnered a gold medal
and signified that the reformists could come at par with their European counterparts.
At the same time, Luna’s win signalled the start of the Filipino’s call for equality.

Juan Luna’s “Spoliarium” displayed at the National Museum.

When the Philippines was liberated from the Spanish rule, the Americans took
over to establish a colonial government. They also propagated their culture and
beliefs through the implementation of the public-school systems. Art had a new role
in advertising American-controlled markets. After World War II, the Philippines saw
itself as an independent state transitioning into the formation of its national identity.

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Artists focused on modern takes when it comes to content, form, and subject
matter. In addition, a debate emerged on whether art should be done as
“proletarian art” or “art for art’s sake.” As modern paintings started to emerge, a
triumvirate of artists was formed – Carlos Francisco, Galo B. Ocampo, and Edades.
The 1960’s proved to be a period of modernism and dynamism with a lot of
styles, techniques, and methods emerging. Most artworks were reflections of the
political, social, and economic situation of the Philippines during the Marcos
administration. It was a period wherein people embodied and advocated for
nationalist ideals. This is the reason why there was a paradigm shift of subjects in
the artworks. Beautiful and idealistic imagery was replaced with aggressive
undertones. The works were reflections of the general feel of the people based on
the political situation during that time. When former President Ferdinand Marcos
declared Martial Law, social realism became the norm. Most artworks were forms of
protest against the government’s suppression of freedom of speech and expression.
In addition, some of the works reflected issues like economic problems, land
reforms, gender rights, worker’s rights, and cultural minorities plaguing the Filipino
people brought about by the Martial Law. Eventually, photography has evolved into
an art form, which highlights various artistic expressions evident in a variety of
events, scenes, and activities.

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Let’s Make it Happen
Activity 2

Write an essay answering this question: To what extent can art help in the
formation of a society’s culture?

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Let’s Work on This
Assessment
Activity 1

To check your understanding of the lesson, answer the following questions:

1. What are the central themes of Chinese artworks? Explain why the
Chinese focused on these themes.

2. In what ways are Chinese and Japanese art similar? In what ways are they
different?

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3. What were some of the uses or roles of art during the pre-colonial period?

4. How did art become a reflection of Philippine society?

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 Rubrics for Essay
Traits 4 3 2 1

Focus & There is one clear, There is one clear, There is one topic. Main The topic and main ideas
Details wellfocused topic. Main wellfocused topic. Main ideas are somewhat are not clear.
ideas are clear and are ideas are clear but are clear.
well supported by not well supported by
detailed and accurate detailed information.
information.

Organization The introduction is The introduction states The introduction states There is no clear
inviting, states the main the main topic and the main topic. A introduction, structure,
topic, and provides an provides an overview of conclusion is included. or conclusion.
overview of the paper. the paper. A conclusion is
Information is relevant included.
and presented in a
logical order. The
conclusion is strong.
Voice The author’s purpose of The author’s purpose of The author’s purpose of The author’s purpose of
writing is very clear, and writing is somewhat writing is somewhat writing is unclear.
there is strong evidence clear, and there is some clear, and there is
of attention to audience. evidence of attention to evidence of attention to
The author’s extensive audience. The author’s audience. The author’s
knowledge and/or knowledge and/or knowledge and/or
experience with the experience with the experience with the
topic is/are evident. topic is/are evident. topic is/are limited.

Word Choice The author uses vivid The author uses vivid The author uses words The writer uses a limited
words and phrases. The words and phrases. The that communicate vocabulary. Jargon or
choice and placement of choice and placement of clearly, but the writing clichés may be present
words seems accurate, words is inaccurate at lacks variety. and detract from the
natural, and not forced. times and/or seems meaning.
overdone.
Sentence All sentences are well Most sentences are well Most sentences are well Sentences sound
Structure, constructed and have constructed and have constructed, but they awkward, are
Grammar, varied structure and varied structure and have a similar structure distractingly repetitive,
Mechanics, & length. The author length. The author and/or length. The or are difficult to
Spelling makes no errors in makes a few errors in author makes several understand. The author
grammar, mechanics, grammar, mechanics, errors in grammar, makes numerous errors
and/or spelling. and/or spelling, but they mechanics, and/or in grammar, mechanics,
do not interfere with spelling that interfere and/or spelling that
understanding. with understanding. interfere with
understanding.
Reviewer’s
Comments

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 Activity 2
A. Create an artwork that depicts the identity through art with respect to nationality,
culture and religion of Art in Asia. Use a cardboard (1/8 measurement)

B. After an artwork creation, mount an art exhibit (concept development, production

and postproduction, marketing, documentation, critiquing) maximum of 5 minute
video presentation.

Rubric for Multimedia Presentation

Task Description: Mount an art exhibit (concept development, production and
postproduction, marketing, documentation, critiquing) maximum of 5 minute video
presentation.
weigh

Criteria Exemplary Admirable Acceptable Attempted

t

 Use of three or  Use of two  Use of one  Use of only one

more sources, sources, Internet source source
including at including,  Some errors in  Numerous
least two including at least information errors in
Internet and one one Internet  Topic somewhat information
print source; use source; use of broad  Topic too
Research of Topic

of two search one search general

engines engine
20%  Variety of  Most information
domain name can be
suffix (.com, confirmed
.edu, .net)  Topic could be
 Factual more narrowly
information is focused
accurate
 Narrow focus of
topic
 Logical  Somewhat  Sequencing is  Sequencing is
sequencing logical poorly planned confusing
Storyboard for
Organization

 Menus and sequencing  Menus and  Menus and

(Outline or

Planning)

15% paths are clear  Menus and paths are paths are
 Original; paths are mostly sometimes confusing
inventive; clear confusing  Inconsistent
creative  Original  Little originality  Rehash of other
people’s ideas

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  Covers topic  Covers topic  Barely covers  Does not
completely and  Content is topic adequately
in depth mostly  Content is cover topic
 Content is understandable somewhat  Content is
Content

20% readily  Media used understandable confusing

understandable mostly  Media used  Media used
 Media used contributes to somewhat does not
contributes to understanding of contributes to contributing to
understanding topic understanding understanding
of topic of topic of topic
 Effective  Good  Some use of  0-1 media used
combination of combination of multimedia and  Buttons and
multimedia and multimedia and design elements navigational
persuasive design elements  Some buttons tools are absent
design elements  Adequate and navigational or confusing
Graphic Design

 Excellent use of navigational tools work  Use of visuals

navigational tools and properly and images is
25% tools and buttons  Use of visuals confusing or
buttons  Visuals and and images is absent;
 Graphics images are limited; message is
effectively entice attractive; message is confusing
audience; adequately conveyed
accurately conveys
convey message
message
 Correct  Few grammar,  Several  Obvious
grammar, usage, grammar, usage, grammar,
Mechanics

usage, mechanics, or mechanics, or usage,

10% mechanics, and spelling errors spelling errors mechanics, or
spelling  Most sources  Some sources spelling errors
 All sources are are correctly are incorrectly  Sources are not
correctly cited cited cited cited
 Work load is  Some members  Few members  One or two
divided and contribute contribute people do all of
Teamwork
(optional)

10% shared equally the work

Assignment Score __________ + Beyonder/Bonus ___________ = Final Score _____________

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