Chinese, Korean, and Japanese Art and Architecture

This weeks reading concentrated on Chinese, Korean, and Japanese Art and architecture. This particular region has history that can be dated back much farther than the rest of the world. Because of China’s size the region seemed to avoid outside influence and invasion but endured its share of inner turmoil. The history of that region is broken down into distinct dynasties and the art is influenced not only by the dynasties but also by the dominant religions and philosophies during time. Today, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese culture are visible in modern pop culture.

Jade is a stone that the Chinese consider to be very precious. As far back as 5000 BCE Jade carvings have been found in China. Since it is such a difficult stone to work with it is unknown how the ancient Chinese were creating such intricate patterns. Then there were what is considered the three bronze age dynasties. During this time there is the development of bells which were calibrated to have two separate tones. A great discovery from this time, buried and discovered accidentally was a ceramic army. The army was intricately made with each warrior wearing armor and having individual faces. During the third dynasty the Silk Road was established. Silk was used for clothing and also as a medium for paintings and scrolls. Trade in silks extended as far as western Europe and into India which led to the introduction of the Buddhist religion into China.

Buddhism was a major religion of China. Other major influences were Confucianism and Daoism. The religions and philosophies were based on striving for balance of the mind and body and also with relationships between people and nature. At this time there is an emphasis on landscapes and showing the insignificance of man in relation to nature. Other images display filial piety or wifely devotion. The landscapes don’t have a single point of view like western images but instead are unrolled on scrolls and have a sort of omniscient view. Buddhism spread into Korea and Japan, who in turn changed the art in a way to add their own signature to the work.

Through historical findings, China, Korea, and Japan were incredibly advanced in their part of the world. Today we are still benefiting from their technology. The whole world uses fireworks to celebrate which originated in China. Chinese fast food, Korean BBQ, and Japanese sushi are dining necessities in American cities. Japan and Korea are main producers of electronics and automobiles. East Asian architecture is mimicked in gardens and temples all over. Both the young and the old alike enjoy Japanese anime and manga novels and films. A fad from not too long ago was the tattooing of Chinese characters  on men and women and decorating your house using Feng Shui. So it is quite clear that the long history of China, Korea, and Japan is not only significant but also its presence around the world in the modern culture of today.

References:

Living With Art Getlein, Mark. 2013. Mcgraw-Hill Companies, NY

Art History Sokstad, Marilyn. 1995. Prentice Hall, NJ

Roman Art and Architecture

Roman Art and Architecture

 This week in Art class we covered the influence of ancient Roman art and architecture in modern society. To prepare for this topic we read a passage by Onian on Rome and the Culture of Imagination. Romans were very technologically advanced for that time. They built cities with shopping centers and places for entertainment, like amphitheaters. The cities were supplied with water via aqueducts, which still stand today. Roman architecture is responsible for our roads and some of our building design.

The Romans were so advanced that it bred a society that had time to be creative and use their imaginations. In the reading there was a man named Vitruvius who was very critical of art at that time. Romans traditionally created natural art, portraying things as they were in real life. He felt that what was being called art at that time wasn’t actual art because artists were crossing species and creating centaurs and chimeras. Some of the building designs weren’t feasible because they involved thin and high pillars or were made of grasses and designs of the imagination. This time was used by the Romans to show how powerful they were. Augustus, a ruler of ancient Rome, had the idea that if man could bend nature to his will then history itself could be rewritten. Much of the analysis in the writing of Onian was based on the principle that Romans were changing the way of things simply because they could. They mixed architectural designs and accepted these themes of fantasy.

Roman influence is everywhere in today’s society. Besides the architectural influence, the system of laws was adopted from Roman society. The Julian calendar and the alphabet is also Roman. Americans seem to be fascinated with Roman culture and it’s evident in our cinema with movies like Gladiator and the television shows Rome and Spartacus. Many of our sports like wrestling and boxing are remnants of that period and its no coincidence we watch these events in stadiums. Even some of our fashion designs are from then, like caged sandals and toga-like dresses. 

Despite the Romans tumultuous political periods and their vast expanse and ultimate collapse of an empire, they were still prosperous and withstood the tests of time. The knowledge that was imparted to the world and the influence on art and architecture solidly establishes Rome as a true empire even until today. 

References:

Onian, John. Classical Art and the Cultures of Greece and Rome. 1999. Yale University Press

Getlein, Mark. Living with Art. 2013. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc, NY