ART IN ASIA
CHINESE, JAPANESE, PHILIPPINE ART
CHINESE ART
Chinese Art
Inhabitants of China in the past were able to produce primitive artisan
works
e.g. bronze vessels with intricate designs from the second millennium
of BCE
CHINESE ART
Chinese art during the Zhou Dynasty is parallel with the Golden Age
of Greece
Zhou Dynasty is the period where art flourished tremendously
Metal works befitting the royal family were produced in abundance
Jade was also a popular choice of material for artworks
CHINESE ART
The Chinese also had interactions with Western Missionaries who
came from India and brought some Indian influences to China.
Indians inspired a lot of Chinese artist for a few centuries
By the 6th century, Chinese artist started making art that highlighted
their own culture
CHINESE ART
Most paintings were done in monumental styles wherein rocks and
mountains served as barrier that made the viewer distracted initially
from the subject
Also used sharp brushstrokes to provide detail in their works
Most paintings aimed to give the audience multiple perspectives on
the subject
CHINESE ART
Porcelain is one of the commonly used items to make decorative
elements such as vases and jars
The focal point in these vases depicts a central theme : nature
Some of their themes also include : everyday activities, war,
violence, death and nature
Chinese artworks are also infused with symbolism
It is customary for the ancient Chinese to show respect for their
ancestor and departed relatives
Most of the departed ancient Chinese are placed in either gold or
bronze vessels
JAPANESE ART
Japanese Art
One of the artworks created by Japanese is
called Haniwa
Haniwa are clay figures used as funerary
objects
HANIWA
JAPANESE ART
The native religion of Japan is Shintoism
Japan did not use art to communicate the beliefs of Shintoism
When Japan established trading relations with China, they were
influenced by the Chinese with their religious beliefs
Buddhism became an integral part of Japanese culture
Artworks such as images and sculptures of Buddha were produced
Buddhist temples also became staple places
Art became an expression for the Japanese
China also influence Japan in terms of paintings
After the fourteenth century Japan isolated itself from the rest of the
world, which gave them avenue to let their cultures flourish
The Japanese style of painting lead toward abstract and naturalism
The artist is given free reign for his work which had more room for
spontaneity and individuality
Many artist focused on
portraits, nature, and everyday
life
The Japanese also developed
a kind of painting called ukiyo-e
which was crafted through
woodcut prints
Ukiyo-e, woman wiping her face
PHILIPPINE ART
Philippine Art
have emerged from precolonial to contemporary periods
Precolonial period
ethnic minorities used art as religious rituals
art forms include pottery, weaving, and carving
Pottery
one of the earliest art forms used by the
Filipino people
e.g. Manunggul Jar found in Palawan
Manunggul Jar
Represent Filipinos religious beliefs
Serves as a burial jar
Reflect belief in the afterlife
Woodcarvings
Also represents religious beliefs
Woodcarvings from Palawan depict birds (serve as messengers of the
people to the heavens)
Tausog and Maranao people are known for their okir which are
designs applied to their wood carvings
Common subjects : Sarimanok
These symbols depict their belief as people
Weaving
Most popular artisan for weaving is
from the Cordilleras
T-boli people from Mindanao are
also known for their woven abaca
called t’nalak
Okir
Sarimanok
Spanish Colonial Period
When the Spaniards discovered the Philippines during the 16 th century
they introduced their religion to the local people
Art was used by the Spaniards to propagate their Christian faith
The church became the sole patron of the arts
e.g. construction of churches
e.g. churches house various relics and paintings
Being under colonial rule, it is not surprising for Filipinos to express
their indignation
Art became one of the avenue for Filipino patriots and nationalists
e.g. Juan Luna’s Spoliarium
Juan Luna’s Spoliarium
American Period
When the Philippines was liberated from the Spanish rule, the
Americans took over to establish a colonial government
They propagated their culture and beliefs through the implementation
of public school system
Art had a new role in advertising American-controlled markets
After World War II
the Philippines saw itself as an independent state
Artist focused in modern takes when it comes to content, form, and
subject matter
A debate emerged when art should be done as proletarian art or art
for art’s sake
The 1960s
A lot of style, techniques, and methods
Most artworks were reflections of the political, social and economic
situation
Period wherein people advocated for nationalist ideals
reason why there is a paradigm shift of subjects in the artworks
Beautiful and idealistic imagery was replaced with aggressive
undertones
The works were reflections of how people feel on the political
situation during that time
Martial Law
Social realism became the norm
Most artworks were form of protest against the government
suppression of freedom and speech
Some of the works reflected issues like economic problems, land
reforms, gender rights, worker’s rights
Eventually, photography has evolved into an art form which highlights
expressions in events and activities
