Asian Art

Japanese art

On the continent Asia, China and Japan have produced two different types of art that have distinct inspirations behind the creation. Japanese art, for instance, was largely inspired by the introduction to Buddhism from 552 to 897. Chinese art was also inspired by various religions: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, and also by nature. The art forms differ too. The Japanese primarily stuck to drawing, box-making, decorative writing, scrolls, and sculptures. The Chinese focused on painting, folk arts, silk, calligraphy, pottery, sculpture, metal arts and papercuts.

Japanese artist, Katsushika Hokussai, created the image shown above. It is called "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" and was first in the series of 36 from "Views of Mount Fuji". Hokusai used the woodblock process of printing to make this image, which was a popular form of art it both Chinese and Japanese art.

Chinese art

I got my information from http://www.kyrene.org/schools/brisas/sunda/arthistory/arthistory.htm and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokusai

Greek and Roman Art

The Greeks created much of their art to honor their many gods and goddesses. The Acropolis, for example, was constructed to give thanks to Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom. The Parthenon, which is part of the Acropolis, (pictured above) is located in Athens, Greece-the city that Athena is a patron saint of. A fundamental part of Greek architecture is the three types of columns- Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Doric columns were used in the creation of the Parthenon. Out of all the column styles, this is the most simple and classic. I admire this particular style for it’s timeless elegance and long-lasting beauty. The Parthenon is an astounding work of Greek art that we can look to for inspiration for years to come.

The Romans borrowed much of their style of creating art from the Greeks. Sculpture, landscape, portrait painting, and even genre painting are all types of art that were produced during this time period.