Preface
- Page ID
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Introduction
An all-encompassing and intricate guide, Asian Art History offers a thorough investigation of the Asian continent, delving into its earliest artistic expressions and contemporary works. This inclusive resource comprises twelve chapters spanning various art forms and movements, making it an invaluable aid for students pursuing the study of Asian Art. After conducting extensive research, we discovered that many textbooks on Asian art cover the entire continent, featuring countries such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Mongolia, Tibet, Pakistan, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Bali, Japan, Korea, China, and Bhutan.
The Asian Art History Textbook (ARTH 130 Survey of Asian Art) is a testament to the diversity and multifaceted nature of our world. It goes beyond the surface of art, delving into the social, political, and economic factors that have shaped various art forms across Asia. The course encompasses a vast range of art forms, including but not limited to architecture, sculpture, painting, calligraphy, painting, calligraphy, and ceramics. The chronological organization of the course empowers students to compare and contrast the artistic expressions of multiple civilizations from 30,000 BCE to the present day. By embracing such a wide range of cultures and time periods, this textbook not only promotes inclusivity but also amplifies the voices of those often overlooked in traditional art history narratives.
The study of art history employs various art forms to gain insight into the evolution of culture and humanity throughout time. Visual arts have been a means of communicating fundamental beliefs and values since ancient times. However, there has been a tendency in the past to view art history solely from the perspective of wealthy individuals from Western countries, focusing only only on well-known art and artifacts in isolated environments. To promote greater cultural inclusivity, the field of art history is undergoing a transformation to encompass art from every continent, civilization, and unknown artist, and to draw comparisons between different cultures that coexisted. This new approach will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of art history and its global impact.
It is imperative to have a deep understanding of the culture that surrounds a particular form of art to truly appreciate it. This means that to fully comprehend and appreciate the essence of art, one must delve into the cultural context that it belongs to. This involves exploring the historical, social, and political factors that influenced the creation of the artwork. Only by understanding the cultural significance of the art can we gain a more profound insight into the message conveyed by the artist.
“You cannot understand the art without understanding the culture.” - Gustlin
Credits
I would like to express my sincere gratitude towards Evergreen Valley College, Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson, and the OER Cohort One team (Tejal Naik, Ly-Huong Pham, and Bhawana Mishra) for having faith in our proposal. Without the unwavering support of Evergreen Valley College, this book would have remained a mere dream instead of becoming a reality.
“An individual has not started living until he can rise about the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” Martin Luther King
AudienceThis bookis an invaluable resource for college students who are passionate about exploring the depths of Asian Art History. Itscontent is comprehensive, insightful, and packed with a wealth of knowledge that is essential for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the subject matter. It provides detailed analyses of the various art forms, styles, and techniques used in Asian Art History, along with engaging historical context and critical perspectives. Overall, this book is a must-have addition to any student's library, and it is sure to broaden your horizons and deepen your appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Asian Art.
Chapter Outline
The text is organized into Twelve chapters:
Chapter One: Prehistoric Art of Dynastic Regions and Geographic Changes (30,000 BCE – 5000 BCE)
Today, Asia is the largest continent on Earth, characterized by an extensive and varied landscape composed of five major physical regions: mountains, plateaus, plains, steppes, and deserts. Home to both Russia and the densely populated countries of China and India. With a land area of 30 percent of the Earth's total, Asia is the largest continent in size and landmass. Additionally, it accounts for most of the world's population, approximately 60 percent of people residing within its border.
Chapter Two: Neolithic Period (5000 BCE – 2000 BCE)
Asia spans a vast territory, and each area has its unique history and culture. The historical narrative of Asia encompasses East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, parts of the Middle East, and some of the steppes of Central Asia. The great river basins in these regions were vital to the development of their communities and supported the largest populations. However, some areas, such as the mountain ranges and deserts, were relatively uninhabited.
Chapter Three: Bronze Age (2000 BCE – 500 BCE)
This time frame was a significant change as cultures moved from hunter-gatherers and users of stone and bone implements to the time of settled civilizations and bronze technology. Other features of the period were findings of writing and traces of urbanization. Civilizations were included in the Bronze Age if they smelt copper and added other alloyed metals or if they traded for bronze implements.
Chapter Four: The Development of States - (800 BCE – 300 BCE)
Throughout ancient history, there were three distinct periods: the Stone Age, the Bronze Age (which spanned from approximately 2300-700 BCE), and the Iron Age (which spanned from approximately 700-1 BCE). Different Asian cultures and civilizations entered these ages at different times and became experts in the technologies associated with each era. Writing also emerged during the Bronze Age in Asia, and the technologies of this era, as well as the Iron Age, brought about significant cultural changes to other parts of Asia. Each age was characterized by the use of metal to create tools for agriculture, war, and rituals. The introduction of bronze tools made agriculture easier with the use of bronze plows, and cutting down trees became more manageable with a bronze hatchet.
Chapter Five: The Maritime and Overland Silk Road (400 BCE – 50 BCE)
The Silk Road, a vast network of trade routes that linked the Far East with the Middle East and Europe, was founded during the Han Dynasty in China in 130 B.C. This marked the official opening of trade between China and the West. The Silk Road remained a vital trade route until the Ottoman Empire boycotted trade with China and closed the routes in A.D. 1453. Despite the passage of nearly six centuries, the Silk Road's influence on commerce, culture, and history still reverberates today.
Chapter Six: Unification of Empires (50 BCE – 500 CE)
After four centuries of unification and control by the Han dynasty in China, revolts, invasions, and internal wars devastated the empire. Buddhism had become a significant part of religious and political beliefs in Asia. China substantially influenced Korea, where Chinese processes and cultures were adopted. Korea transferred the same influence to Japan, spreading Buddhism throughout the region. The trade routes (6.1.1) across Asia, India, and the Mediterranean grew and were further extended and strengthened.
Chapter Seven: Kingdoms and Dynasties (500 CE – 1000 CE)
In China, four centuries of relatively peaceful unity ended in 220 CE, and the country experienced a period of internal warfare and outside skirmishes. Buddhism had successfully transferred from India and was a significant influence in China. The kingdoms in Korea were modeled after Chinese culture, including Confucianism and Buddhism, which were imported from China. Japan was influenced by Korean culture, including literacy and written language. In the north, Kushana controlled India until the rise of the Gupta, often called one of India’s most productive eras. By 500 CE, the Gupta empire had declined as the kingdoms in southern India expanded. India turned from trading with the Roman Empire to trading with Southeast Asia and China.
Chapter Eight: Shifting Cultures and Population Explosion (1000 CE – 1500 CE)
During the Song Dynasty, China faced a daunting obstacle in the form of the Mongols, led by the renowned Genghis Khan. Aggressively seizing much of northern China, they posed a significant threat to the Song Dynasty's borders. Having ruled over China for centuries, the Song Dynasty was now facing their greatest challenge. As the Mongols continued their conquests, they eventually declared Kublai Khan, the Great Khan, as the Emperor of China, ushering in a new era in Chinese history. Despite replacing existing leaders, the Mongols adopted Chinese culture and political practices. This period in Chinese history is commonly referred to as the Mongol Dynasty, although the lower-level governments remained intact.
Chapter Nine: Imperial Power (1500 CE – 1700 CE)
By the beginning of the 1500s, Asia (9.1.1) was divided into large empires and kingdoms. It was the age of imperial power, with the Ottomans, Persians, Mughals, and Chinese initially dominating trade. The silk and maritime roads created well-established trade processes between Asian and European nations. By the middle of the 16th century, trade routes crossed all the inhabited continents and promoted the exchange of culture, the arts, diplomacy, and religions.
Chapter Ten: Global Impact (1700 CE – 1900 CE)
During the latter half of the 1800s, Asia underwent a series of significant transformations that left an indelible impact on the region. While some countries experienced economic growth and political consolidation, others struggled with conflicts stemming from shifting boundaries established centuries prior. The impact of global trade was pivotal in these changes, as the Silk Road - once a vital trade route for both land and sea - expanded to accommodate an influx of goods from across the world. However, the colonization of Asian territories by European powers brought with it significant upheaval and instability, as local economies and political systems were disrupted, and ancient cultural traditions were eroded.
Chapter Eleven: Modern Art (1900 CE – 1999 CE)
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the world order changed dramatically based on new economic, political, and social controls. European industrialization brought technology and financial power as they colonized much of the world, including India, most of Africa, parts of China, and Latin America. The pink area on the world map displays how many different places England controlled. Although Russia in dark purple appears to have a vast empire, most land was locked in permafrost and ice. In the bright blue, France colonized a large part of Africa and Indochina. Many of the lands and territories had names unknown today.
Chapter Twelve: Millennium Art (2000 CE - Present)
Contemporary art is made by artists who are living and working today. As a global art movement, it coincides with the rise of globalization that was triggered by the end of the Cold War in 1989 and the invention of the World Wide Web. Time sped up, distances collapsed, an international trade enabled by the "borderless world" ushered in decades of unprecedented economic growth, rapid social changes, and mass migration. Societies across Asia, especially in China, were radically transformed.
For the Student
This textbook is inclusive, diverse, and equitable to provide a culturally responsive overview of art. The textbook provides the interconnections in time sequences of the different societies to understand how the cultures, history, and art cross time, centuries, and geographic regions from ancient times to today. Diversity and equity are always at the forefront of the artist's lists and civilizations when the Table of Contents is created before research. Transformative thinking by students will occur when they comprehend a perspective of world art history from the viewpoint of equity and their historical ties to the regions seeing themselves and their cultures on the pages of the text.
For the Instructor
This textbook is inclusive, diverse, and equitable to provide a culturally responsive overview of Asian art. The textbook provides the interconnections in time sequences of the different societies to understand how the cultures, history, and art cross time, centuries, and geographic regions from ancient times to today. Diversity and equity are always at the forefront of the artist's lists and civilizations when the Table of Contents is created before research. Transformative thinking by students will occur when they comprehend a perspective of world art history from the viewpoint of equity and their historical ties to the regions seeing themselves and their cultures on the pages of the text.