Skip to main content

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


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Exploring Contrasts in the Romantic Era: Hudson River School vs. Pre-Raphaelites

In the vibrant time of the Romantic era, two distinct art styles emerged, each captivating audiences with its unique charm and character. In this exploration, I’ll delve into the vivid landscapes of the Hudson River School and the intricate narratives of the Pre-Raphaelites, contrasting their intentions, aesthetics, and my personal preferences. Hudson River School: Title: Kindred Spirits  Artist: Asher B. Durand Date: 1849 Place Created: United States Title: Twilight in the Wilderness Artist: Frederic Edwin Church  Date: 1860  Place Created: United States Pre-Raphaelites: Title: Ophelia Artist: John Everett Millais  Date: 1851-1852  Place Created: United Kingdom Title: The Lady of Shalott Artist: John William Waterhouse Date: 1888 Place Created: United Kingdom Aesthetic Reaction: The Hudson River School captivates with its sublime portrayal of the American wilderness. Durand's "Kindred Spirits" mesmerizes with its serene composition, emphasizing the harmony ...
Post a Comment
Read more
       I chose to go with the sculpture, "The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa" by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a masterpiece of Baroque art that beautifully summarizes the religious fervor and theatricality characteristic of the era.      When I look at "The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa," I'm immediately struck by the dramatic presentation of the scene. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of mysticism and divine intervention, as if the heavens themselves are illuminating the moment of ecstasy experienced by Saint Teresa. The sculptural quality of the figures, with their exaggerated expressions and dynamic poses, adds to the sense of movement and emotion in the scene.      The central figure of Saint Teresa, caught in a moment of rapture, brings out a mix of awe and wonder. The intensity of her expression and the way her body seems to almost levitate off the ground make a sense of transcendence and spiritual ecstasy. As a viewer, I can't help but be ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Renaissance Blog

For this assignment, I selected Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," a quintessential piece of Italian Renaissance art. The "Mona Lisa" exudes an aura of enigmatic beauty that continues to captivate viewers centuries after its creation.  From an art element's perspective, the painting is masterful in its execution. The use of sfumato technique, where colors and tones blend seamlessly, creates a sense of depth and realism. The gentle curves of her smile and the subtle play of light and shadow on her face evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue. The composition, with the figure positioned centrally and the landscape in the background, draws the viewer's gaze inward, inviting contemplation. The "Mona Lisa'' inspires awe through its sheer mastery of technique and its ability to convey emotion and personality. The enigmatic smile of the subject brings out curiosity and invites interpretation, leaving viewers mesmerized by her gaze. As for the presentat...
1 comment
Read more