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Non-Western Art

In this blog post, I’ll be exploring pieces from Japan, India and China, each with its own unique cultural background and artistic expression.

Ryoanji Zen Garden (Late 15th century)

Country: Japan

Medium: Dry rock garden

The Ryoanji Zen Garden, located in Kyoto, Japan, is one of the most famous examples of Japanese Zen rock gardens. It was created during the late 15th century, its exact origins and meaning remain a mystery, which provoke thinking and interpretation (Japan-guide.com, 2022). Consisting of 15 rocks of various sizes arranged around raked gravel, the garden embodies the principles of simplicity, harmony, and emptiness, central to Zen Buddhism.

The minimalist design of the Ryoanji Zen Garden creates a sense of serenity and tranquility. The carefully placed rocks and carefully raked gravel evoke a sense of balance and order, encouraging visitors to quiet their minds and reflect on the essence of existence.



Ajanta Cave Paintings (2nd century BCE - 5th century CE)

Country: India

Medium: Fresco paintings

The Ajanta Cave paintings are a series of ancient Buddhist artworks located in Maharashtra, India. These paintings, created over several centuries, depict scenes from the life of Buddha, as well as various other mythological and secular subjects (Shah 2024). They are not only significant for their artistic merit but also for their historical and cultural importance, providing insights into ancient Indian society and religious practices.

The intricate details of the Ajanta Cave paintings showcase the skill and creativity of the ancient Indian artists. The graceful figures and expressions convey a sense of tranquility and spirituality.


Terracotta Army (210-209 BCE)

Country: China

Medium: Terracotta sculptures

Discovered in the mausoleum of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, the Terracotta Army is one of the most remarkable archaeological finds in the world (Anderson 2024). This vast collection of life-sized terracotta sculptures depicts soldiers, horses, and chariots, intended to protect the emperor in the afterlife. Each figure is unique, with intricate details and expressions, providing invaluable insights into ancient Chinese military and artistic practices.

The sheer scale and attention to detail in the Terracotta Army are astounding. The individualized features and poses of the soldiers convey a sense of realism and vitality, despite being made over two millennia ago.


In this blog post, I've explored artworks from Japan, India, and China, each with its own unique cultural background and artistic expression, from the Ryoanji Zen Garden in Kyoto, Japan, encouraging contemplation and reflection on Zen Buddhist principles of simplicity and harmony, to India's Ajanta Cave Paintings offering insights into ancient Buddhist art, and China's awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, providing a glimpse into ancient Chinese military and artistic practices.


References:


Anderson, S., & Lubow, A. (2024, April 19). What you need to know about China’s terra-cotta warriors and the first qin emperor. Smithsonian.com. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/what-you-need-know-about-chinas-terra-cotta-warriors-first-qin-emperor-30942673/ 


Japan-guide.com. (2022b, July 25). Ryoanji Temple. Kyoto Travel. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3909.html 


Shah, A. (2024). The Caves of Ajanta (article) | south asia. Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-asia/south-asia/x97ec695a:1000-b-c-e-500ce-indo-gangetic-plain/a/the-caves-of-ajanta


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