Lesson 11 : Art in asia

THE EVOLUTION OF ASIAN ART

Asian art's historical sources include a wide array of religions, conquerors, and cultural influences.
History marks the start of Hindu and Buddhist art around the 5th Century BCE. These ancient
religions were primarily characterized by an introspective way of life, and their adherents decorated
their temples with walls and stone statues elaborately carved on.

As Asian art evolved, it reflected social, political, and cultural trends, showcasing poetry, philosophy,
and various artistic styles. Asia, the largest continent, also housed creatives from India, Indonesia,
Central Asia, and beyond, highlighting the diversity of Asian art.

CATEGORIES OF ART:

PAINTING Early Buddhists revered sacred icons like the mandala, depicting Gautama Buddha's
journeys and his quest for enlightenment, which became a significant feature in Buddhist paintings.

Buddha and the Five Planets" by Chang Huai.

During this period, paintings were primarily religious, with Bhutanese creating elaborate "thangkas"
depicting Buddhist iconography. Chinese artists used calligraphy techniques for portraits and
landscapes on silk cloth, showcasing their unique style.

Bhutanese thangka painting

Chinese landscape paintings, Koreans, and Japanese landscape paintings, were created during the
five dynasties, capturing serenity and political, religious, and philosophical thought. French cultural
influence began in the early 19th century, with a traditional Chinese painting like "Loquats and
Mountain Bird" influencing modern Vietnamese art.

STONE CARVINGS & SCULPTURES If the ancient world has one amazing hallmark; it's the persistence
of its talented creative. Imagine the long days of carving in a holy temple with one of those
magnificent bas-relief stone carvings. For example, the Indians built the Temple of the Shore in
Mamallapuram. Its walls became the canvas as artists painted upon them the stories and families of
Hindu deities. As always in this art form, Buddha also had a powerful presence, with many intricate
stone carvings dedicated to his form.

Stone carving from the shore temple.

Another glorious aspect of Asian culture can be found in the remarkable sculptures made out of just
about anything, from terracotta to beautiful bronze and gold statues. While unusual, in the course of
time sculptures made of semi-precious stones have also appeared. For example, the Emerald Buddha
in Thailand is a beautiful figure made of jade or jasper and dressed in exquisite gold clothing.

ARCHITECTURE When you think of Asian architecture, Japan is none other than one of the most
highly known regions for beautiful architecture. This style, adapted from China's systems, isn't
necessarily native to the region. Japanese architecture was based on an appreciation of the
relationship between the worlds outside and within. These wooden structures housed thin walls of
paper and impressively curved roofs which covered glorious verandas.

These buildings also became the focus of many spiritual rituals, with elaborate shrines being built
within their walls or set on the neighboring landscape next to the house. Though made of stone
rather than wood, India 's architecture was. A side view of the Konark Sun Temple. Image by Kartike
Bhatore. For eg, the Konark Sun Temple was built in the form of a huge chariot, with elaborately
carved wheels and everything else! It for its exquisitely detailed sculptures and ornamental walls is
classified as one of India's seven wonders, very impressive too.

CALLIGRAPHY in Originally developed China, this style of writing became a popular practice
throughout East Asian culture. Calligraphy was easy to construct. Young and old both practitioners
used an ink brush, ink, and paper to write for communicative and creative skillfully purposes.

Korean students diligently practiced calligraphy, copying masters' examples to refine their skills. They
learned character structure, balance, and rhythm, and introduced paperweights and desk pads for
ease. This unique talent contributed to innovative typography and paintings.

Asian art, spanning thousands of years and tens of countries, is renowned for ceremonial bronzes,
ceramics, jades, textiles, and intricate goldwork. Its influence on contemporary art has grown
exponentially since the 1990s.

TRADITIONAL ARTS OF ASIA:

JAPAN
Japanese Art - Nature; asymmetrical, organic, spontaneous, contemplative. - Brush painting is the
preffered art form in Japan. Follows from the use of brushes for writing which created a familiarity
with brush techniques. - Japanese artists retain traditional themes and techniques. - Japanese art is
valued for its simplicity and colorful style.

Japanese Art Forms

Woodblock Printing the process of printmaking that involves a wooden slab where ink is placed. -
Ukiyo-e; means "pictures of the floating world. Prints and paintings of such subjects as female
beauties; kabuki actors and sumo wrestlers; scenes from history and folk tales; travel scenes and
landscapes; flora and fauna; and erotica.

Anime - cultural traditions and beliefs help create the anime characters. woodlock prints begin rich
history which eventually lead up to the current anime we see today.

Shodo (Calligraphy) - calligraphy is one of the most admired Japanese arts. Along with kanji, or
Japanese characters, calligraphy was imported from China during the Heian Period over one
thousand years ago. - sosho: or grass hand style, is commonly used for artistic calligraphy and poetic
script.

Ikebana (Flower Arranging) - is usually more simplistic than modern flower arranging and different
parts of the plant are emphasized rather than just the colorful blooms. - The harmony of the colors,
textures, form and balance of the plants and branches is key. But ikebana is first and foremost a form
of creative expression and is appreciated for this quality as well.

Shikki (Lacquerware) Japanese lacquerware is known for its beauty and durability. Lacquer has been
used in Japan for thousands of years to protect and preserve the natural beauty of wood. With all the
modern usage of plastics and metals, the art of a fine lacquerware tray or comb is easy to appreciate.
Traditional Dance Two major dances: Noh is a musical drama that has been around for over five
hundred years. It is recognizable by its usually sparse stage effects, giving all attention to the masked
performers who usually reenact an ancient legend or similar tale.

Kabuki - dance-drama, on the other hand, features elaborate makeup, costume and over-the-top
emotion. Both types are still widely practiced today in places like the Kabuki-za theater in Tokyo,
among others.

CHINA
Chinese Art • Religion, heritage, and ancestors; precise, symmetrical. Two characteristics of Chinese
Art: 1. A love of, and reference for nature. 2. A strong connection with calligraphy done with brushes;
quite often the two elements are combined

Chinese Art Forms: 京 剧 (jīng jù) - Peking Opera - combines skillful singing, graceful acrobatics,
elaborate colorful costumes, and soulful storytelling to create a stage experience unlike any other. -
Peking opera was extremely popular during the Qing dynasty, and is currently preserved as an art
form throughout China and Taiwan.

古 筝 (gũ zhēng) - Chinese Zither - is a plucked musical string instrument dating from the warring
states period. -The musician presses the strings with the left hand, and plucks the strings with the
right hand, usually with picks attached to the tips of the fingers.

皮 影 戏 (pí yǐng xì) - Shadow Puppet Shows - Chinese shadow puppet shows date back to the Han
Dynasty, when the emperor popularized these shows at court. The puppets are made of leather - in
fact, the Chinese name literally means“皮(pi) - leather,” “影(ying) - shadow,” and “戏 (xi) - play." -
The puppeteer manipulates the puppets and tells stories accompanied by music from a band of
Chinese musical instruments. Shadow puppets are believed by many to be the oldest motion picture
form of storytelling.

书法(shū få) - Chinese Calligraphy - Chinese calligraphers use brush pens made from the finest animal
hair. - Chinese calligraphy is still a highly respected and popular art form. Many Chinese school
children are sent to learn traditional calligraphy as an extracurricular activity.

剪纸 (jiǎn zhì) - Paper Cutting Chinese artisans create entire landscapes and intricate characters out
of paper and scissor. - Popular shapes include the character ““ 福 ” (fú) - lucky,” “ 囍 ” (xi)- double
happiness, as well as tigers, dragons, carps, the phoenix, and the twelve Chinese horoscopes.

KOREA

Korean Art -Korean art features humor, bold exaggeration, non-symmetrical objects, and unique
spatial beauty. It respects nature, uses quiet colors, and maintains harmony with materials. Korean
art depicts beauty with honesty and simplicity.

Korean Art Forms Gugak -Traditional Korean music encompasses various art forms, including songs,
dances, and ceremonial movements. It is classified into legitimate music, folk music, court music,
shamanic and Buddhist traditions, and poetic songs for the literati elite.

Folk Dance- Korean folk dances, including salpurichum, gutchum, taepyeongmu, hallyangchum,
buchacchum, geommu, and seungmu, are deeply rooted in rural communities and satirical, often
featuring drumming, dancing, and singing, and are often performed in marketplaces or fields.
Painting and Calligraphy

Painting has been a significant Korean art genre since ancient times, as evidenced by Goguryeo's
tomb murals. Calligraphy, an independent art form, is closely related to ink and wash painting, using
the "four friends of the study" (paper, brush, ink stick, ink stone).

Pottery

Typically divided into three groups: A Cheongja (blue-green celadon) - Celadon pottery is marked by
an attractive jade blue surface and the unique Korean inlay technique used to decorate it.

Buncheong (slip-coated stoneware) - was made by Goryeo potters after the fall of their Kingdom in
1392. This type of pottery is characterized by its slip-coated surface and delightfully simple decorative
designs created using several different techniques.

Baekja (white porcelain) - White porcelain ware represents the ceramic art of the Joseon Period
(1392-1910). While some of these porcelain wares display a milky white surface, many are decorated
with a great variety of designs painted in oxidized iron, copper, or the priceless cobalt blue pigment
imported from Persia via China.

Handicrafts - Korean craftsmen and women developed various techniques for home production,
including creating wooden furniture, weaving baskets, and creating masks and ornaments. They also
used Korean mulberry paper, lacquer, dyed oxhorn strips, and mother-of-pearl and abalone shells for
furniture decoration. Embroidery, knot making, and natural dyeing were also important elements in
traditional Korean arts and crafts.

SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART

 Aesthetic traditions and cultural values vary across Southeast Asia. Some arts reflect influences from
Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam, while the indigenous societies of the region have their own diverse
traditions, which have interacted with each other and has been influenced by the great civilizations
of India and China. A The cultures of Asia still maintain distinct characteristics that took centuries to
evolve. Influences and ideas from other sources have been accepted, absorbed, altered, sometimes
rejected, creating families of cultures which, while related, are richly distinctive.

INDIA

Madhubani Painting-Bihar These paintings find their origins and derive their name from a village
called 'Madhubani' in Bihar. These paintings were first painted by the artists hailing from this village.
King Janakraj, father of Sita wanted the artists to capture moments of Sita's wedding ceremony with
Lord Ram. - Hence, these paintings came to be known as 'Mithila' Paintings. Predominately, the
themes revolve around mythology, Hindu Gods and various royal court scenarios.

Warli Art- Maharashtra - Warli art is a 400-year-old tribal art form from Maharashtra. Painted mostly
by the Warli tribe women, paintings in this art form are based on nature, harvest, weddings and
fertility. - Initially painted on the walls of the houses, Warli Art has gained immense popularity and is
painted on home furnishings, décor, and murals.

Pattachitra Painting- Orissa - Pattachitra folk painting hails from the state of Orissa. They originated
during the 8th century and is suppose to be one of the earliest forms of indigenous art. 'Patta' means
'clothing' and 'chitra' stands for paintings, so pictures in this art form are painted on a cloth base. -
Pattachitra art is inspired by the Jagannath and Vaishnava cult. Depictions of Pattachitra art can be
seen in the famous Konark Temple in Orissa.
Mughal Painting- Mughal Era - The Mughal painting reflects a synthesis of Indian, Persian and Islamic
art styles. This art form evolved between 16th and 19th centuries. The theme centred around battles,
receptions, court scenes, hunting scenes, legendary stories, portraits and wildlife. Interestingly,
Victoria and Albert Museums in London have huge collections of Mughal paintings.

Rajput Painting- Rajputana - Rajput art forms flourished in the 18th century in the royal courts of
Rajputana. Scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata dictate this art form. - Colours used for these
paintings were extracted from precious minerals like gold and silver, stones and plant sources. This
was a lengthy process and would sometimes even take weeks.

Kalamkari Painting- Andhra Pradesh - Kalamkari literally means, "pen-art". Kalamkari paintings are
either hand painted or block printed on cotton fabric. This art form flourished under the rule of the
Golconda Sultanat. - It was first developed and evolved at Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh but its
popularity soon spread to the other states. - As far as the popular belief goes, in olden days, groups
of artisans, musicians and singers known as chitrakattis would travel from village to village and
narrate tales of Hindu mythology. - As time passed, they even started illustrating these stories on
canvas and thus Kalamkari was born.

Gond Painting- Madhya Pradesh - Gond paintings are a native art form from Madhya Pradesh. Gond
art is characterised mostly by animals and birds. Gond paintings are an expression of religious
sentiments and everyday life depictions.
PHILIPPINES
Sploliarium by Juan Luna - The painting features a glimpse of Roman history centered on the bloody
carnage brought by gladiatorial matches. Spoliarium is a Latin word referring to the basement of the
Roman Colosseum where the fallen and dying gladiators are dumped and devoid of their worldly
possessions.

Planting Rice by Fernando Cueto Amorsolo - Behind the workers, a farmer with a carabao ploughs.
In the background is a cluster of nipa huts along the thick accumulation of trees and weeds. The
central grouping of lush trees and hills provides an idyllic setting for the workers besides a mountain
view or background. - This painting basically captures the traditional Filipino occupation of the farm
life of men and women in a hot sunny day. It depicts how enduring they are and how the farmers
work together.
Granadean Arasbesque by Jose Joya Granadean Arabesque, is a large scale yellow hued mural that
features clusters of sand and impasto. It can be viewed at the Ateneo Art Gallery in Manila.

Making of the Philippine Flag by Fernando Amorsosolo - The painting shows three women namely
Marcella Marino de Agoncillo (on the right side) refer as the mother of the Philippine flag, with the
help of Lorenza and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad which is actually the daughter of Marcela. The
three women are sewing passionately which demonstrates elegance. The setting is inside of a house
which is more like a "Bahay Kubo" - The main colors that was used in the painting was brown, red,
blue and yellow. The mood and visual effect that this painting can be considered is calm and serene.

INDONESIA
Angklung - Angklung, which originally came from West Java, is a musical instrument made of a
varying number of bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame. The tubes are carved to have a
resonant pitch when struck and are tuned to octaves.

Batik - Batik is an Indonesian technique of wax-resist dyeing applied to whole cloth. This technique
originated from Java, Indonesia. Batik is made either by drawing dots and lines of the resist with a
spouted tool called a tjanting, or by printing the resist with a copper stamp called a cap.
Wayang Kulit - In a wayang kulit performance, the puppet figures are rear-projected on a taut linen
screen with a coconut-oil (or electric) light. The dalang (shadow artist) manipulates carved leather
figures between the lamp and the screen to bring the shadows to life. It's mainly about good vs evil.

Pendet - Pendet is a traditional dance from Bali, Indonesia, in which floral offerings are made to
purify the temple or theater as a prelude to ceremonies or other dances. Pendet is typically
performed by young girls, carrying bowls of flower petals, handfuls of which are cast into the air at
various times in the dance.

Pencak Silat - Pencak silat arrangements combine sport and self-defense moves with artistic
elements, as well as breathing and spiritual awareness. - Pencak silat is performed to celebrate the
beauty of movement. Pencak silat seni expresses cultural values in the form of patterns of movement
and rhythm, which involve harmony, balance, and the accord of gracefulness, rhythm, and feeling.

Javanese Gamelan The gamelan is a traditional large percussion ensemble consisting of a large
number of bronze gongs and metallophones (metalxylophones) of different sizes, plus drums, a
zither, and flute. The group also sing, accompanying themselves on the instruments and learn a
popular Indonesian dance.
VIETNAM
Lacquerware - Vietnamese lacquerware stands apart for its layered workmanship. A complex and
intricate art form, it entails an extremely time consuming and labour-intensive process that can take
around 100 days and 20 stages to complete. - High-gloss lacquer (a resin of the lacquer tree) is
usually applied to a wooden base with inlays such as mother-of-pearl, duck egg shells, gold or silver
leaves. While initially lacquerware colours were restricted to black, red and brown, more pigments
were introduced over time, and today one can find a range of home décor accessories such as vases,
decorative accents, tableware and more, in a multitude of vibrant colours.

Lacquer Paintings- Lacquer Paintings are an original art form of Vietnam. Lacquer made its way into
paintings, as the Founders recognised the aesthetics of Vietnamese artistic traditions, and
encouraged students to embrace their heritage along with the teachings of Western painting. What
makes Vietnamese lacquer paintings unique, is that their look remains magnificent for years, because
of the complex procedure through which they are created.

Silk Paintings - Characterized by their softness, elegance, transparency of colours and fluidity of style,
silk paintings of Vietnam hold their own place, distinct from those of China and Japan. - As per the
traditional style, a silk canvas is directly used as the backdrop of the painting. Typically, themes such
as landscapes, pagodas, rustic countrysides, rural life, or historical events are depicted.

Lanterns in Hoi An - Luring visitors with vibrant colours, workmanship and delicately executed
designs, Hoi An's lanterns are known for their durability. - It is believed that since silk was sought-
after in the town, silk lanterns were designed to meet the increasing demands in interior design.
Hanging them in front of one's home was considered to bring in luck, health and happiness.

Hand Embroidery - The art of hand embroidery is embedded in Vietnamese culture, dating back
more than 700 years. Kept alive in modern times by local artisans, ethnic minorities and artists, the
technique is often learnt by high school girls as an extra-curricular activity. - Used to create various
decorative accessories such as pillowcases, tablecloths, and even silk embroidered paintings, the
embroidery is characterized by the use of tiny threads to create fine lines, in a harmonious mix of
vibrant colours. - Flowers, animals, landscapes and religious scenes are the dominant themes
depicted.

Ceramics and Pottery - Vietnam's tradition of ceramic making dates back thousands of years,
flourishing during the rule of the Ly Dynasty (1010- 1225). Along the way, Vietnamese ceramists have
been strongly influenced by China after the Chinese invasion, and also taken inspiration from other
cultures, such as Cambodia and India. Still, the Vietnamese style of ceramics is very distinctive, and
believed to be among the finest and most widely exported across the world.