ART IN ASIA

CHINESE, JAPANESE, PHILIPPINE ART

CHINESE ART
Chinese Art
Inhabitants of China in the past were able to produce primitive artisan
works
e.g. bronze vessels with intricate designs from the second millennium
of BCE
CHINESE ART
Chinese art during the Zhou Dynasty is parallel with the Golden Age
of Greece
Zhou Dynasty is the period where art flourished tremendously
Metal works befitting the royal family were produced in abundance
Jade was also a popular choice of material for artworks
CHINESE ART
The Chinese also had interactions with Western Missionaries who
came from India and brought some Indian influences to China.
Indians inspired a lot of Chinese artist for a few centuries
By the 6th century, Chinese artist started making art that highlighted
their own culture
CHINESE ART
Most paintings were done in monumental styles wherein rocks and
mountains served as barrier that made the viewer distracted initially
from the subject
Also used sharp brushstrokes to provide detail in their works
Most paintings aimed to give the audience multiple perspectives on
the subject
CHINESE ART
Porcelain is one of the commonly used items to make decorative
elements such as vases and jars
The focal point in these vases depicts a central theme : nature
Some of their themes also include : everyday activities, war,
violence, death and nature
Chinese artworks are also infused with symbolism
It is customary for the ancient Chinese to show respect for their
ancestor and departed relatives
Most of the departed ancient Chinese are placed in either gold or
bronze vessels
JAPANESE ART
Japanese Art
One of the artworks created by Japanese is
called Haniwa
Haniwa are clay figures used as funerary
objects

HANIWA
JAPANESE ART
The native religion of Japan is Shintoism
Japan did not use art to communicate the beliefs of Shintoism
When Japan established trading relations with China, they were
influenced by the Chinese with their religious beliefs
Buddhism became an integral part of Japanese culture
Artworks such as images and sculptures of Buddha were produced
Buddhist temples also became staple places
Art became an expression for the Japanese
China also influence Japan in terms of paintings
 After the fourteenth century Japan isolated itself from the rest of the
world, which gave them avenue to let their cultures flourish
 The Japanese style of painting lead toward abstract and naturalism
 The artist is given free reign for his work which had more room for
spontaneity and individuality
 Many artist focused on
portraits, nature, and everyday
life
 The Japanese also developed
a kind of painting called ukiyo-e
which was crafted through
woodcut prints

Ukiyo-e, woman wiping her face

PHILIPPINE ART
Philippine Art
have emerged from precolonial to contemporary periods

 Precolonial period
ethnic minorities used art as religious rituals
art forms include pottery, weaving, and carving
Pottery
one of the earliest art forms used by the
Filipino people
e.g. Manunggul Jar found in Palawan

Manunggul Jar
 Represent Filipinos religious beliefs
 Serves as a burial jar
 Reflect belief in the afterlife
Woodcarvings
 Also represents religious beliefs
 Woodcarvings from Palawan depict birds (serve as messengers of the
people to the heavens)
 Tausog and Maranao people are known for their okir which are
designs applied to their wood carvings
 Common subjects : Sarimanok
 These symbols depict their belief as people
Weaving
Most popular artisan for weaving is
from the Cordilleras
T-boli people from Mindanao are
also known for their woven abaca
called t’nalak
Okir
Sarimanok
Spanish Colonial Period
When the Spaniards discovered the Philippines during the 16 th century
they introduced their religion to the local people
Art was used by the Spaniards to propagate their Christian faith
The church became the sole patron of the arts
e.g. construction of churches
e.g. churches house various relics and paintings
Being under colonial rule, it is not surprising for Filipinos to express
their indignation
Art became one of the avenue for Filipino patriots and nationalists
e.g. Juan Luna’s Spoliarium
Juan Luna’s Spoliarium
American Period
When the Philippines was liberated from the Spanish rule, the
Americans took over to establish a colonial government
They propagated their culture and beliefs through the implementation
of public school system
Art had a new role in advertising American-controlled markets
After World War II
the Philippines saw itself as an independent state
Artist focused in modern takes when it comes to content, form, and
subject matter
A debate emerged when art should be done as proletarian art or art
for art’s sake
The 1960s
A lot of style, techniques, and methods
Most artworks were reflections of the political, social and economic
situation
Period wherein people advocated for nationalist ideals
reason why there is a paradigm shift of subjects in the artworks
Beautiful and idealistic imagery was replaced with aggressive
undertones
The works were reflections of how people feel on the political
situation during that time
Martial Law
Social realism became the norm
Most artworks were form of protest against the government
suppression of freedom and speech
Some of the works reflected issues like economic problems, land
reforms, gender rights, worker’s rights
Eventually, photography has evolved into an art form which highlights
expressions in events and activities