Lesson 11: Arts in Asia

Chinese Art

China is at the forefront of economic development. Its booming economy has led to its
modernization. History shows that China has been at the leading edge of development
especially in the 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. During the
Zhou Dynasty was under a feudal kind of system. It was 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 principle espoused by Confucius believed that in order for society to
work, one must learn sympathize to others. These principles became evident in most art
work depicting everyday life and how these social interaction come to play.
The Chinese also had interactions with Western missionaries who came from India
and some of the Indian influences to China. By the start of sixth century, Chinese artists
started making art that highlight their very own culture. Paintings usually depicted
magical places and realms that were born out of sheer imagination while still infusing the
Chinese characters that define their culture.
Most painting 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.
Artist also used sharp brush strokes 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 perspectives on the subject.
Porcelain is one of the commonly used item to make decorative ornaments, such
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 the 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, importance to communities and interaction among
people. 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 with a lot of symbolisms. Art becomes an avenue for artist to convey to
reflection of things he is aware of. It is customary for the ancient Chinese people to shoe
respect for their ancestors an departed relatives.

Japanese Art
 Art in Japan has undergone a series of transitions and periodization. Japan has
transitioned into a modern cultural mixing pot.
Base 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. Haniwa is a
ceramic products created by Japanese, it is made up of clay. They are placed beside burial
spots for reasons that are unknown.
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 on essence became an expression of worship for the Japanese.
Japan and China had as long-standing relationship. 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. 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. 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 every distinctive
manner.

Philippine Art

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 early Filipino people. One of
the most prominent artifacts related to pottery is the Manunggal Jar found in Palawan. 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. Pottery also used as a pots for cooking and large vases for storing.
Weaving was also one of the earliest forms of art expression in the Philippines.
Cordilleras people is one of the most popular artisans of weaving. The T'boli people from
Mindanao are also known for their abaca cloth called t'nalak.
Woodcarvings from Palawan also depict animals like birds, which are representations
of their religious beliefs. In Mindanao, the Tausug and Maranao people are known for
their okir, which 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 symbol's depict their beliefs as a people. The
sarimanok and naga are usually used as ornamental designs for the houses of the sultans.
Initially, jewelry was used a 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.
When the Spaniards discovered the Philippines during the sixteenth century, they
introduced their religion to the local people. Art was used by the Spaniards to propagate
their Christian faith while at the same time, establishing their foothold in the country. The
Church, just like in Western Europe at one point , become the sole patron of the arts.
Being under colonial rule, it is not surprising for Filipinos to expressed their indignation
and desire for liberation. 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.
When the Philippines was liberated from Spanish rule, the Americans took over to
establish a colonial government. They also propagated their culture and beliefs through
the implementation of public school systems. After World War II, the Philippines saw
itself as an independent state transitioning into the formation of its national identity.
Artists focused on modern takes when it comes to content, form, and subject matter. A
debate emerged on whether art should be done as " proletarian art" or "art for art's sake".
As modern paintings started to emerged, 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. When former
President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law, social realism become the norm.
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. Photography has evolved into an art form, which highlights various artistic
expressions evident in a variety of events, scenes, and activities.
Estenias Science Foundation
School
Casiguran, Sorsogon

Written
Report
Art in Asia
Prepared by: Mylin Hamor,
Alvien Hapin, Expedito De
 Jesus

Prepared to: Instructor Randy