Arts in Asia (Report)

ARTS IN
ASIA
Learning outcomes
By the end of this lesson, 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.
When ancient civilizations in Asia flourished, trade became
a very important activity. In the process of establishing trading
relationships among Asian countries, they started shaping their
cultures and belief system.
China, being one of the oldest civilizations in Asia, has a rich
history when it comes to culture and arts.
Japan was initially influenced by China in terms of the arts.
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.
CHINESE
ARTS
In the present context, China is at the
forefront of economic development. Its booming
economy has led to its modernization. In addition,
history shows the China has been at the leading
edge of development in terms of cultural
development. Inhabitants of China in the past
were able to produce primitive artisan works.
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
expoused by Confucius believe that in
order for society to work, one must learn
how to sympatize to others. This
principles became evident in most
artworks depicting everyday life and how
this social interactions come to play.
The Chinese also had interactions with
Western missionaries who came from India and
both some Indian influences to China. Because of
this, Indian models inspired a lot of Chinese artist
for a few centuries. By the start of sixth century,
Chinese artist started making art that highlighted
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 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 it flows from the
background into the foreground.
• Artists was also used sharp brushstrokes to provide
detail in their works.
• Western landscapes usually had a single vanishing
point while Chines 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 items to
make decorative ornaments, such as vases and jars.
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. 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
Japanese
Art
Art in Japan has undergone a series of transitions
and periodizations. From being an isolated nation to
that of embracing Western influences and
modernizations, Japan has transitioned into a
modern mixing pot. It is evident how a Japanese
were able to infuse local and indigeneous materials
with modern Western subjects and focal points.
One of the ceramic products created by the
Japanese is called Haniwa. These are ceramics
figures that are made up of clay. They are placed
beside burial spots for reasons that are unknown.
The native religion of Japan is Shintoism. Although,
this religion subscribes to belefs 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 bacame an integral part of Japanese
culture. Artworks such as images and sculptures of
Buddha were produced.
As mentioned earlier, Japan and China had a long-
standing relationship. In additin to Buddhism, China
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 get 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 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 paints. The
artists developed a technique that used lines
and colors in a very distinctive manner. An
example would be the woodcuts of Hiroshige
and Shakaru who had a lasting impact on
Western artists like Vincent van Gogh and
Edouard Manet.
Philippine
Art
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 form used for ethnics 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 Manunggul
Jar found in Palawan.
Weaving was also one of the earliest forms of art
expression in the Phillipines. One of the most popular
artisans of weaving is the people from Cordilleras.
They are known for their colorful woven cloth, which
also have both religious and practical values.
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 representation 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 are designs applied to their woodcarvings.
Their common subjects include the sarimanok, naga, and the
pako rabong.
The sarimanok is a stylized design of a mythical bird either

standing on a fish or holding a piece of fish on its beak.
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 a broad base. The fern gracefully stems and tapers
upward.
The sarimanok and naga are usually used as ornamentals

designs for the houses of the sultan.
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
just like in Western Europe at one point,
became the sole patron of the arts.
Probably one of the most famous works that expressed Filipinos to
expressed Filipino nationalism and stood against the colonizers would be
Juan Luna’s “SPOLARIUM”. This large-scale academic painting garnered
a gold medal and signified that the reformists could come at par with
their European counterparts. Luna’s win signaled the start of the
Filipino’s call for equality.
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 implementations of public school systems.
Art had a new role at advertising American-
Controlled markets. After the World War II the
Philippines saw itself as an independent state
transitioning its national identity.
Artist focused on modern takes when it comes to
content, form and subject matter. In addition the debate
emerged on whether art should be done as “ Proletarian
art” or “arts for arts sake”. As modern paintings start to
emerged, a triumvirate of artists was formed Carlos
Francisco, Galo B. Ocampo and edades.
The 1960s proved to be period of medernism and

dynamism with a lot of styles, techniques and method
emerging. Most artworks are expressions of 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 a paradigm shift of subjects in the artworks.
Beautiful and idealistics and 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 become the
norm. Most artworks were forms of protest against the
Governments suppression of freedom of speech and
expression.
THANKYOU!

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ARTS IN

Pottery is said to be one of the earliest art forms

In Mindanao, the Tausug and Maranao people are known

The sarimanok is a stylized design of a mythical bird either

The pako rabong, on the other hand, is like a growing fern

The sarimanok and naga are usually used as ornamentals

The 1960s proved to be period of medernism and

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