Glossary
Buddhism
A religion and philosophy originating in India, based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, emphasizing the path to enlightenment through meditation and ethical conduct.
Example:
The monumental Longmen Caves, carved into limestone cliffs, are a testament to the widespread influence of Buddhism in China, featuring thousands of Buddha statues.
Confucianism
A system of ethical, philosophical, and religious thought developed by Confucius in ancient China, emphasizing social harmony, filial piety, and respect for authority.
Example:
The meticulous detail and dignified pose in the Portrait of Sin Sukju reflect the Joseon Dynasty's adherence to Confucianism, valuing scholarly achievement and moral integrity.
Cosmology
A system of beliefs about the origin, structure, and nature of the universe, often reflected in religious art and funerary practices.
Example:
The intricate layers and symbolic imagery on the Funeral Banner of Lady Dai provide profound insights into Han Dynasty cosmology and their understanding of the afterlife.
Cultural Exchange
The reciprocal influence and sharing of artistic traditions, materials, and concepts between distinct cultures, leading to new hybrid forms or adaptations.
Example:
The adoption of Buddhist iconography and architectural forms in Japan, originally from India via China, demonstrates significant cultural exchange.
Daoism
An ancient Chinese philosophy and religion emphasizing living in harmony with the 'Dao' (the Way), often associated with nature, spontaneity, and balance.
Example:
Fan Kuan's 'Travelers among Mountains and Streams' captures the essence of Daoism, depicting humans as small elements within a vast, powerful natural world.
Edo Period
A period in Japanese history (1603–1868) characterized by peace, economic growth, and the flourishing of urban culture, including Ukiyo-e prints and decorative arts.
Example:
Ogata Kōrin's 'White and Red Plum Blossoms' exemplifies the vibrant decorative arts and naturalistic themes popular during the Japanese Edo Period.
Global Interconnections
The widespread exchange of artistic styles, techniques, and ideas across different cultures and continents, often facilitated by trade, exploration, and colonization.
Example:
The spread of blue-and-white porcelain from China to Europe, influencing ceramic production and design in the West, is a prime example of global interconnections.
Han Dynasty
A major Chinese dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) that followed the Qin, known for its cultural flourishing, technological advancements, and elaborate funerary art.
Example:
The Funeral Banner of Lady Dai provides invaluable insights into the beliefs and artistic practices of the Han Dynasty.
Handscroll
A long, narrow horizontal scroll painting or calligraphy, typically viewed section by section from right to left, common in East Asian art.
Example:
The 'Night Attack on the Sanjô Palace' is a dramatic handscroll painting that vividly narrates a historical battle, unfolding like a continuous cinematic scene.
Hanging Scroll
A vertical scroll painting or calligraphy, typically displayed on a wall, common in East Asian art for its portability and ease of storage.
Example:
Fan Kuan's 'Travelers among Mountains and Streams' is a monumental hanging scroll that exemplifies the grandeur of Song Dynasty landscape painting.
Hinduism
A diverse group of religious traditions originating in the Indian subcontinent, characterized by a belief in reincarnation, karma, and a pantheon of deities.
Example:
The Lakshmana Temple, dedicated to Vishnu, with its elaborate carvings of gods and mythical beings, is a quintessential example of Hinduism's rich artistic expression.
Joseon Dynasty
The last dynastic kingdom of Korea, lasting from 1392 to 1897, known for its strong Confucian influence and development of realistic portraiture.
Example:
The Portrait of Sin Sukju is a prime example of the refined and realistic portraiture characteristic of the Joseon Dynasty.
Kamakura Period
A period in Japanese history (1185–1333 CE) characterized by the rise of the samurai class and a focus on realistic and dynamic artistic styles.
Example:
The 'Night Attack on the Sanjô Palace' is a vivid narrative handscroll from the Kamakura Period, reflecting the era's turbulent political climate.
Khmer Empire
A powerful Hindu-Buddhist empire in Southeast Asia (9th–15th centuries CE), renowned for its monumental temple complexes, most notably Angkor Wat.
Example:
Angkor Wat, with its intricate bas-reliefs and towering spires, is the architectural zenith of the Khmer Empire.
Mausoleum
A monumental building serving as a tomb, typically for a deceased person or group, often grand in scale and richly decorated.
Example:
The Taj Mahal, a breathtaking white marble mausoleum, was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Ming Dynasty
A major Chinese dynasty (1368–1644 CE) known for its grand imperial architecture, including the Forbidden City, and its distinctive blue-and-white porcelain.
Example:
The Forbidden City, a vast imperial palace complex, was largely constructed and expanded during the Ming Dynasty.
Mughal Empire
An Islamic imperial power that ruled much of the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the 19th centuries, known for its distinctive architecture, miniature painting, and cultural synthesis.
Example:
The Taj Mahal, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, stands as the most famous monument of the Mughal Empire.
Nara Period
A period in Japanese history (710–794 CE) marked by the establishment of a centralized state and the significant influence of Buddhism and Chinese culture.
Example:
Todai-ji, one of the world's largest wooden structures housing a colossal Buddha, is a monumental achievement from the Japanese Nara Period.
Narrative Painting
A genre of painting that tells a story or depicts a sequence of events, often featuring multiple figures and scenes within a single composition.
Example:
The 'Night Attack on the Sanjô Palace' is a powerful example of Japanese narrative painting, capturing the chaos and drama of a historical conflict.
Patronage
The financial or social support provided by individuals, institutions, or rulers for the creation of art, often influencing its subject matter, scale, and style.
Example:
The construction of the Taj Mahal was a grand act of imperial patronage by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, showcasing his wealth and devotion.
Porcelain
A fine, translucent ceramic material, typically white, made from kaolin clay and fired at high temperatures, highly prized in China for its durability and beauty.
Example:
The David Vases, with their exquisite blue-and-white designs, showcase the pinnacle of Yuan Dynasty porcelain craftsmanship.
Propaganda Art
Art created to promote a political cause, ideology, or leader, often employing persuasive imagery and emotional appeal.
Example:
Chairman Mao en Route to Anyuan is a classic example of propaganda art, designed to glorify Mao Zedong and inspire revolutionary fervor during the Cultural Revolution.
Qin Dynasty
The first imperial dynasty of China (221–206 BCE), known for unifying China and its monumental projects, such as the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army.
Example:
The awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors were created during the Qin Dynasty to guard the tomb of the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
Religious and Philosophical Influences
The impact of belief systems and ethical frameworks on artistic expression, shaping themes, iconography, and the purpose of artworks.
Example:
The serene rock gardens of Ryoan-ji exemplify the profound religious and philosophical influences of Zen Buddhism on Japanese aesthetics.
Rock Garden
A type of Japanese garden, typically associated with Zen Buddhism, featuring carefully arranged rocks, gravel, and sometimes moss, designed for contemplation.
Example:
The serene and minimalist rock garden at Ryoan-ji invites quiet reflection, embodying the principles of Zen aesthetics.
Silla Kingdom
An ancient Korean kingdom that unified the Korean peninsula in the 7th century CE, known for its rich Buddhist art and elaborate burial practices.
Example:
The Gold and Jade Crown, with its tree-like forms and dangling ornaments, is a magnificent artifact from the Silla Kingdom, symbolizing royal power.
Song Dynasty
A culturally rich and technologically advanced Chinese dynasty (960–1279 CE), renowned for its landscape painting, ceramics, and Neo-Confucianism.
Example:
Fan Kuan's 'Travelers among Mountains and Streams' is a quintessential masterpiece of landscape painting from the Song Dynasty.
Stupa
A dome-shaped Buddhist monument, often containing relics of the Buddha or revered monks, serving as a place of meditation and circumambulation.
Example:
The Great Stupa at Sanchi, with its elaborate gateways and railings, is one of the oldest and most significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India.
Terracotta
A type of unglazed, brownish-red earthenware clay, often used for sculptures, pottery, and architectural decoration.
Example:
The vast army of Terracotta Warriors, buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang, demonstrates the incredible scale and artistry of ancient Chinese funerary sculpture.
Woodblock Print
A relief printing technique where an image is carved into a block of wood, inked, and then pressed onto paper or fabric, commonly used in East Asia.
Example:
Katsushika Hokusai's 'Under the Wave off Kanagawa' is a globally recognized masterpiece of Japanese woodblock print artistry, showcasing dynamic composition and vibrant colors.
Yuan Dynasty
A Mongol-led imperial dynasty of China (1271–1368), known for its significant advancements in ceramic production, particularly blue-and-white porcelain.
Example:
The David Vases are iconic examples of the high-quality blue-and-white porcelain produced during the Yuan Dynasty.
Zen Buddhism
A school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China (as Chan Buddhism) and later flourished in Japan, emphasizing meditation, intuition, and direct experience for enlightenment.
Example:
The minimalist rock garden of Ryoan-ji, designed for contemplation, perfectly embodies the aesthetic and philosophical principles of Zen Buddhism.