Art in Asia
Chinese Art
The huge Asian continent has given birth to numerous types of art that
predate anything seen in the West. Ancient pottery, for example, first appeared in
China, as did large scale bronze sculpture, sericulture, as well as jade carving and
lacquerware, and also calligraphy.
In other fields - such as terracotta sculpture, for instance - Chinese ingenuity
and creativity is unmatched, while in the arts of painting and metalwork the
contribution of Chinese artists has been outstanding. The gigantism of Chinese
statues is also well known.
Chinese culture has had a major impact on the arts and crafts of other East
Asian countries like Korea and Japan, although Japanese artists and craftsmen have
also achieved worldwide renown in disciplines as diverse as woodcuts, paper-
folding, ceramic art, origami, ink-and-wash painting and wood-carving. Art on the
Indian subcontinent - distinguished above all by its exceptional longevity - has
developed more independently of China, although it was strongly influenced by
Greek sculpture during the era of Hellenistic art, and latterly by the Islamic art of the
Persian Mughal Empire.
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 of 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. In addition, Chinese artworks
include everyday activities, war and violence, death, and nature. Art becomes the
avenue for the artist to convey his reflection of the things he is aware of.
(PORCELAIN VASE FROM CHINA)
Japanese Art
Art in Japan undergone a series of transitions and periodization, from being
an isolated nation to embracing western influences and modernization. Japanese art
covers a wide range of art styles and media, including ancient pottery, sculpture, ink
painting and calligraphy on silk and paper, ukiyo-e paintings and woodblock prints,
ceramics, origami, and more recently manga which is modern Japanese cartoons
and comics along with a myriad of other types. One of the ceramic products created
by the Japanese is called haniwa, haniwa is made up of clay and they placed it
beside burial spots, no one knows why they do it.
Based on artifacts like ceramic figures and ornaments, Korean and Chinese
influenced the japan artworks. The native religion of Japan is Shintoism but 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 because of that
artworks such images and sculptures of Buddha were produced, Buddhist temples
also became staples in key places, art in essence became an expression of worship
for the Japanese. As mentioned earlier Japanese and Chinese had a long standing
relationship in addition of the influenced of the China in japan in term of paintings.
But after the fourteenth century, Japan isolated itself from the rest of the world
for the reason to flourish their culture, as an effect Japanese style of painting
change, they learned abstract and naturalistic. Many artists focused on the 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, Japanese also developed a kind of painting called ukiyo-e,
literally meaning “Pictures of the Floating World," Ukiyo-e refers to a style of
Japanese woodblock print and painting from the Edo period depicting famous theater
actors, beautiful courtesans, city life, travel in romantic landscapes, and erotic
scenes.
Japanese art is one of the world’s greatest treasures, but it is also surprisingly
hard to find up-to-date information on the internet.
(UKIYO-E PAINTING FROM JAPAN)
Philippine Art
Before the colonizers came to the Philippines, ethnic minorities have used art
not only for daily activities but also for the religious rituals and practices.
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 the
Manunggul Jar from Palawan.
Weaving was also one of the earliest forms of art expressions in the
Philippines. One of the most popular artisans of weaving is the people from
the Cordilleras. They are known for their colorful woven cloth.
T’boli people from the Mindanao are also known for their woven abaca cloth
called T’nalak.
In Mindanao, the Tausug and Maranao people are known for their Okir, which
are designs applied to their wood carvings. Their common subject includes
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.
The naga forms an s-shape depicting an elaborate figure of a mythical dragon
or serpent.
Art was used by the Spaniards when they discovered the Philippines during
sixteenth century to propagate their Christian faith.
Art become one of the avenues for the Filipino patriots and nationalists.
Probably one of the most famous works that expressed Filipino nationalists
and stood against the colonizers would be Juan Luna’s spollarium. At the
same time, Luna’s win signaled the start of the Filipinos call for equality.
When the Philippines was liberated from the Spanish rule, the American’s
took over to established in a colonial government. Art has a new role in
advertising American controlled market.
The 1960s proved to be a period of modernism and dynamism with a lot of
styles, techniques and methods emerging. Beautiful and idealistic imagery
was replaced with aggressive understories.
When former President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law, social realism
became the norm. Most artwork were forms of protest against the
governments suppression of freedom of speech and expression.
Some of the works reflected issues like economic problems, land reforms,
gender right, workers right and cultural minorities plaguing the Filipino people
brought about martial law.
Photography has evolved into an art form, which highlight various artistic
expressions evident in a variety of events, scenes and activities.
-SARIMANOK
-MANUNGGUL JAR FROM PALAWAN
-T’NALAK
GROUP 11:
LOPEZ, JENNO
CABRILLOS, ELLEN ROSE
BURDAY, JEANNY CEL
CAŇETE, JECERIE
