The Asian’s Art History
History of Asian Art
The history of Asian art includes a vast range of arts from various cultures, regions and religions across
the continent of Asia. The major regions of Asia include Central, East, South, Southeast, and West Asia.
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Central Asian art – Turkic peoples of the Eurasian Steppe
East Asian art – China, Japan, and Korea
South Asian – Indian subcontinent, with Southeast Asian art. Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia,
and the Philippines
West Asian art- Near East, Mesopotamia, and more recently becoming dominated by Islamic art
Excluding prehistoric art, the art of Mesopotamia represents the oldest forms of Asian art.
Asian art is diverse and rich, spanning thousands of years and dozens of countries. It is known for its ritual
bronzes, beautiful ceramics, jades, textiles, poetic painted landscapes, garden design, elaborate gold
work, extraordinary temples, shrines, pagodas and stupas, woodblock prints, shadow puppets and the
highest art form in east asian art—calligraphy.
 Chinese Art
A Brief Overview of the Chinese Dynasties
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Shang Dynasty -The Shang Dynasty (also known as the Yin Dynasty) ruled from 1600 to 1046 BCE
with its roots in the Yellow River Valley. From various excavations, this dynasty’s existence has
been verified as factual. The Yellow River is believed to be the second-longest river in China and
was the originating source or “cradle” of Chinese civilization. This age was marked by numerous
advancements like writing, astronomy, math, and what is sometimes understood as the “Early
Bronze Age”.
What is Chinese Art?
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Chinese art history encompasses all the visual arts originating in China and produced by the
Chinese cultures and artists. It is marked by many different types, ranging from Neolithic pottery
to calligraphy, painting, poetry, porcelain, bronze work, jade carving, and many others.
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It begins from the Prehistoric age up to the present, contemporary age. Traditional Chinese art
shares commonalities, however, it was also produced differently within each dynasty, which are
key distinguishing periods marking the progression of Chinese artwork.
Characteristic of Chinese Art
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The common underpinning characteristics that give Chinese Art its nature come from
philosophical, religious, and cultural beliefs. Chinese culture has always valued nature and its
inherent significance.
Symbols used in ancient Chinese art, from decorative textiles; an illustrated book on coverings for
furniture, walls and floors, including damasks, brocades and velvets, tapestries, laces, embroideries,
chintzes, cretonnes, drapery and furniture trimmings, wallpapers, carpets and rugs, tooled and
illuminated leathers (1918).
We have what is known in Chinese, wenfang sibao, or “Four Treasures of a Scholar’s Studio” – this
was an important part of Chinese painters’ and calligraphers’ skills and toolsets. It consisted of paper,
brushes, ink, and inkstone. It is said to have originated during 420 to 589 CE, during the Southern and
Northern Dynasties.
The Four Treasures of Chinese Calligraphy: wénfángsìbǎo.
Paintings were usually created on paper, which would then be mounted on silk. There were
different types of ways paintings would be mounted, for example, scrolls in the form of hand or hanging
scrolls, fans, leaves done as album leaves, among other.
Examples of Chinese Painting
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Mountain Landscape (c. 1617) by Dong Qichang, Ming Dynasty
Landscape in the Style of Yan Wengui (c. 1707) by Wang Hui
Travelers by Streams and Mountains (c. 1000) by Fan Kuan; Chinese Pottery
Chinese pottery goes back all the way to the prehistoric period when it was utilized for utilitarian purposes
as well as for burial purposes as many have been excavated from burial sites, known also as funerary jars.
Chinese pottery has been throughout the ages, developing into many different styles and forms as
traditional Chinese art. Neolithic pottery was also painted and decorated by carving bands of patterns into
form.
Other Chinese Artworks
Ancient Chinese art is not limited to only calligraphy and painting, there are multitudes
of other art forms within the history of Chinese arts. Some notable modalities also include Chinese
ritual bronzes, which were made as part of graves. There is a significant collection of these bronzes
all made with incredible skill and craftsmanship.
 Japanese Art
History Of Japanese Art
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Japanese art covers a wide range of art styles and media. It includes ancient pottery, calligraphy,
ceramics, architecture, oil painting, drama and music.
Contemporary Japanese art is concerned with themes such as self-identity and finding fulfilment
in a world dominated by technology. Japan’s contributions to contemporary art, fashion and
architecture are creations of a modern, global, and multicultural (or cultural) bent. Contemporary
Japanese painters work in all genres including traditional ink and watercolor painting, classical oil
painting, and modern media.
Jomon Art (From origins to about 300 BC)
The period takes its name from the “string texture” with which were decorated the first ceramic
artifacts and includes the first artistic testimonies of Japanese proto.
Yayoi (弥生時代) from 300 B.C. to about 300 A.D.
The artistic production is aesthetically simple but begins to contemplate the use of revolutionary
technologies such as the lathe. A fundamental characteristic is the introduction of metallurgy.
Kofun Art (ca. 250-552 C.E
The start of the Kofun period was around 250 CE, with the beginning of a new form of burial
structures. It lasted until 538 CE, when Buddhism was first introduced to Japan. Immigration and
influences from China and Korea were also significant factors in the development of Japan.
Nara (奈良時代) from 710 to 794
For the first time there is a fixed capital for the empire: Nara. Previously, in fact, it ranged when
the Emperor died. Decisive the influence of Buddhism in artistic production.
Heian (平安時代) from 794 to 1185
Flourishes the production of mandala, and of the first pagodas. The court began to develop
great attention to the arts. By this time the famous Genji Monogatari.
Kamakura (鎌倉時代) from 1185 to 1333
It takes its name from the shogunate during which we are witnessing the shift of power from
the aristocracy to the military samurai class. In art prevails realism.
Muromachi (室町時代) from 1336 to 1573
After the interlude of the city of Kamakura, the imperial capital went back to being Kyoto. The
artists take up less popular and aristocratic themes. Decisive influence of Zen.
Azuchi Momoyama (安土桃山時代) from 1573 to 1603
Azuchi and Momoyama are the respective castles of both Nobunaga and Hideyoshi daimyo
whose series of wars characterizes the period. It affirms the Kano school of art.
Edo (江戸時代) from 1603 to 1868
It is the triumph of political and military power of the Tokugawa who moved the capital to Tokyo
and closed all the doors to contacts with foreigners. Great attention given to science and
techniques.
Meiji (明治時代) from 1868 to 1912
The renewal Meiji returned power to the emperor after centuries of rule of the shogun. The
country, as a result of a strong impetus of industrialization, became a military power.
Taisho (大正時代) from 1912 to 1926
It is a phase of democratization. The emperor’s weakness allows, despite the imperialist
tendencies in the war years, the affirmation of a widespread cultural liberalism.
Showa (昭和時代) from 1926 to 1989
With the long reign of Emperor Hirohito the country lives immense social and cultural upheavals
determined by both world War II and the post-conflict reconstruction.
Heisei (平成時代) from 1989 to 2019
With the rise to power of Akihito, the cultural characteristics of modern Japan are defined: a
country where they cohabit marvellously futuristic instances and ancestral traditions.
Reiwa (令和時代) from May 1st 2019
The new era of Japan officially began on 1 May 2019, the day on which Crown Prince Naruhito
ascended the throne, as the 126th Emperor of Japan, succeeding his father, Emperor Akihito.
Examples of Japanese Art
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Katsushika Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa Hiroshi Yoshida
Fuji from Kawaguchi Lake
 Korean Art
• The origins of Korean art can be traced back into the distant past of the Stone Age, with artifacts
dating as far back as 3000 BC.
• Korean art was heavily influenced by the aesthetics of the surrounding eastern cultures, such as
art from Japan and China.
Characteristic of Korean Art
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Korean art has developed many traditional mediums such as pottery, calligraphy, and painting,
with a focus being put on decorating surfaces with natural forms.
Japanese and Chinese art had a huge influence on the Korean aesthetic, with Korean artists
borrowing certain recognizable techniques and motifs from their designs. Korean art is connected
to the concept of naturalism, and characterized by its non-complex and harmonious composition,
displaying a deep connection with the artist’s natural surroundings.
Korean art is typified by its gentle and natural content, fluent lines, and a feeling of harmony,
balance, and peace.
History Of Korean Art
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The Chinese influence was prominent in the early development of Korean art history, yet
acknowledge that over many years, the Koreans began to refine their technique.
Forms of Korean Art
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Calligraphy and Print
- Calligraphy is considered high art in Korea, each brushstroke revealing something of the
character and personality of the artist himself, thus amplifying the subject being painted.
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Handmade paper is used in Korea for a range of practical and artistic uses. Architecturally,
it is used for floor covering and window screening.
Ceramic and Sculpture
-Korean pottery is connected to Korean ceramics such as massive murals, tile work, and
elements of architecture. Much of the early ceramic techniques and styles were
adopted from Chinese culture.
-Korean ceramics became highly revered in Japan, considered the most famous Korean
art for the Japanese.
Handicrafts
● Korean craftsmen and women developed a wide range of techniques to produce the items
they needed at home.
● Later, they developed the art of using beautifully dyed ox-horn strips, and iridescent mother of-pearl and abalone shells to decorate furniture.
Hanji (Korean paper)
● a traditional art form with a multitude of modern uses
● Traditional Korean paper or Hanji
-Paper making is an ancient ort form using the inner bark of the Paper Mulberry tree.
Famous Korean Artworks
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Self Portrait of Yun Du-Seo by Yun Du-Seo (1715)
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Inwang Jesaekdo by Jeong Seon (1751)
 Philippine Arts History
Pre-Colonial Period (900-1565)
In this period which is also known as Neolithic Period which is later part of stone Age, they make
art by making stone weapons, jewelry and decorative crafts out of stone. Arts were expressed through
drawings on rocks to show religious symbols either animistic or Islamic based. They also make their own
shelter and has an alphabet which is Baybayin. They also have tattoos as ornamentation and rite of
passage.
Example: Gold Jewelries Manunggul Jar and Bulul.
Islamic Period (1201)
Islamic Period started on 13th century, when Sayyid Abbubakar of Arabia arrived in the Philippines.
He promoted Islam and Arabic reading and writing by building schools for the people to learn and be able
to use it. Their religion was accepted by the people in Mindanao and Palawan, that until now was
embraced by the people in those places. Their influence can still be seen up to this day since 6% of the
Philippine population are Muslims.
 Quran and Mosque
 Islamic Period (1201)
 Ukkil, Pottery and Weaves
Spanish Colonial Period (1521-1898)
Started when Philippines was Colonized by Spaniards. They introduced formal paintings, sculpture
and architecture influenced with byzantine, Gothic, Baroque, and rococo art style. Most art are religious
(catholic based). Spanish colonialism lived in the Filipinos’ antique furniture and carving designs.
 Pabasa and Kundiman
 Tinikling and Pandanggo sa Ilaw
 Sarzuela, Senakulo, and Komedya/ Moro-moro
American Colonial Period (1899-1940)
Americans’ brought education and Art Nouveau style which is an architecture art design
prominent to Western Europe.Fi ere taught by the Thomasites. The American influence can be mostly on
architecture and literature because of education. The paintings in this period are landscapes, still life and
portraits reserved for officials with high ranks.
Example: Baguio and Manila Design Plan
Oblation and Bonifacio Monument
Japanese Colonial Period (1941-1945)
The Japanese invasion caused fear, suffering, and hardships to the Filipinos. The development of
art stopped because of war. Filipinos were deprived of freedom of expression and speech because the
Japanese stopped the publication.
 Manila War Ruins in 1945 by Ferdinand Amorsolo
Post -Colonial Period (1946-1969)
Arts in this period are modern, conservative and experimental public art. These arts have the
influences of Western styles like pop art, maximalism, minimalism, abstraction, expressionism,
conservatism, magic realism and environmental art.
 Maria Makiling
Contemporary Art Period (1970-present)
Medias such as Multimedia, mixed media and transmedia were introduced and non-figurative arts
were also developed. Modern architectures like malls, real-estates, condos, hotels, resorts, commercial
buildings and many more architectures were built.
Non-traditional Art and Traditional Art- is the art that is a part of the culture of a group of people,
skills and knowledge of which are passed down through generations
▪ Traditional arts -are the “do it yourself arts” originally practiced to serve a useful purpose.
Traditional categories within the arts include literature such as (poetry, Drama, story), the visual
arts (painting, drawing, sculpture), the graphic arts (painting, drawing, design, and other forms expressed
on flat surfaces), the plastic arts (sculpture, modeling), the decorative arts (enamel work, furniture design,
mosaic, etc.), the performing arts (theatre, Dance, music), and architecture (often including interior
design)
What are Traditional Art Materials?
▪ Watercolors, Dyes and Colored Inks
▪ Pencil
▪ Pen and Ink
▪ Charcoal and Pastels
▪ Oil and Acrylic Paint
▪ Colored Pencil
Non-traditional Art-an art style that breaks away from the conventional accepted rules for art, rules
established through art schools, cultures, materials and methods used, or subjects implied.
Non-traditional elements in art painting:
○ Metal straw
○ paper leaves
○ Plastic woods
○ Sand yarn
○ Cement caps
Portraits Using Non-Traditional Art Materials
❖Quilled Portrait
● QUILLING – an art form that the use of strips of paper that are rolled, shaped and glued
together to create intricate designs.
-Brodskaya portrait reflects the Beauty found in old age.
❖ Sunflower Seeds- each ceramic seed was individually hand-sculpted and hand-painted. He
handcrafted 100 million porcelain sunflower seeds.
-“a symbol of camaraderie” during difficult times.
❖Bottle Caps
Non-traditional Arts in the Philippines- encompasses dance, music, theater, visual arts, literature, film
and broadcast arts, architecture, and design.
1. Dance- the art of dance under the non-traditional category covers dance choreography, dance
direction, and dance performance.
2. Music – musical composition, musical direction, and musical performance are the core of the art
of music under the non-traditional category.
Philippine folk music includes the chanting of epic poetry:
❖Darangen
❖Hudhud ni Aliguyon
Filipino Music Genre
❖Manila sound
❖Pinoy reggae
❖Pinoy rock
❖Pinoy pop
❖Tagonggo
❖Kulintang
❖Kundiman
❖Pinoy hip hop
3.Theater -in the non-traditional category, theatrical direction, theatrical performance, theatrical
production design, theatrical light and sound design, and theatrical playwriting are the focal arts.
Example: Sangdugong Panaguinip, Tanghalang Pangbansa, FEU’s Art-deco style, Manila
Metropolitan Theater.
4.Visual Arts- under the non-traditional arts include painting, non-folk sculpture, printmaking,
photography, installation art, mixed media works, Illustration, graphic arts, performance art, and
imaging.
❖ Petroglyphs and petrographs – earliest known folk drawings and paintings in the
country.
❖In the 16th century and throughout the colonization era, paintings of religious
propaganda for the spread of Catholicism became rampant.
❖The use of watercolor paintings increased and the subject matter of paintings began
to include landscapes, Filipino inhabitants, Philippine fashion, and government
officials.
❖Portrait paintings – painters themselves, Filipino jewelry, and native furniture.
❖Landscape paintings – scenes of average Filipinos partaking in their daily tasks.
Visual Art Example: Watercolor Painting
Oil Paintings
5.Literature- poetry, fiction, essay, and literary/art criticism are the focal arts of literature under
the non-traditional arts.
❖1593 to 1800 – majority of literary arts made in the Philippines were Spanishlanguage religious works, with a noble book being Doctrina Christiana (1593) and a
Tagalog rendition of the Pasyon (1704).
❖17th century – Ilocano epic Biag ni Lam-ang was inputted into manuscript.
❖1869 – the epic Florante at Laura was published.
❖1878 – 1894 – “Ang Babai nga Huaran” was written in Hiligaynon.
❖19th century – the formative years of Spanish literature in the country moved forward
into what became the nationalist stage of 1883–1903.
❖The first novel written by a Filipino, Nínay, was published. Works of Literary art
critical of colonial rulers became known as well, such as the 1887 Noli Me Tángere and
the 1891 El Filibusterismo.
❖1900 – The first novel in Cebuano, Maming, was published.
❖1903 to 1966 – “golden age of Spanish-language literature in the Philippines”
 1921 – “The Child of Sorrow” book was published.
 ❖ 1966 to 1967 – fragments of ”Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag were published.
❖ 1986 – the fragments were inputted into a novel.
❖1983 – literary work “Dekada ‘70” and Luha ng Buwaya were published.
❖21st century – Filipino literature dives into historical narratives in modernity