Buddhism in China
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Buddhism was introduced to China in the 1st century CE. A mythical story tells that a Han emperor dreamed of a golden-bodied, divine being flying in front of his palace, whom an official identified as the Buddha. This inspired the emperor to send an envoy to India to find out more about the sage. In fact, Buddhism came to China along the Silk Road.
Ink Painting (Japan)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Although Chinese ink painting had been known in Japan since the Heian period (CE 794-1185), it was in the 13th century that the concepts and techniques of Song dynasty (CE 960-1279) ink painters profoundly impacted Japanese artistic culture.
Buddhism in Japan
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Buddhism was first introduced to Japan from Korea in the 6th century CE, more than 1,000 years after its founding in India. By that time there were various schools, practices, and visual styles informed by the diverse Asian cultures that had adopted and elaborated the religion. Several schools of Buddhism were introduced into Japan in succession.
Tembladera
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Tembladera was an ancient burial site in the Jequetepeque Valley on Peru's north coast. Ceramic stirrup-spout vessels were important funerary offerings in ancient Peru and numerous vessels of this type have been found. Tembladera style vessels may have influenced the later ceramic tradition of the Paracas culture on the south coast.
Salinar
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Salinar culture inhabited the north coast of Peru from 200 BCE-200 CE, sharing many stylistic similarities with Cupisnique and Moche ceramic art. After the decline of the Cupisnique and Chavin cultures, the Salinar period was one of unrest, possibly due to a lack of easily-cultivated land. As the largest Salinar site, Cerro Arena is located on a 2.5 square-kilometer ridge in the Moche Valley.
Taoism
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Taoism was founded in China by Lao-Tzu in the 6th-century BCE. Characterized by a concentration on nature and the forces of the universe, Taoism calls for living one’s life in harmony with the Tao, or Way, which is the predesigned and ultimately correct path for followers of Taoism. Taoism’s followers believe one should lead a life of non-action and serve one's role as a part of the design of the universe, free of personal ambitions and desires, to achieve harmony.
Shinto
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Shinto is a native religion of Japan that predates the introduction of Buddhism.
Confucianism
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Confucianism honors the great Chinese sage Confucius, who lived from 479 to 351 BCE. His philosophy focused on proper ethical behavior, such as respect for parents and people in authority, proper conduct, and the performance of social obligations.
Artists in Traditional African Art
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
African art is not anonymous, and individuals, not groups, make art in traditional African societies.
Chongoyape
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Chongoyape is an archaeological site located near the town of the same name, in the department of Lambayeque, Peru. Some of the oldest examples of metalwork in Peru have been found here. Although Chongoyape is traditionally considered to belong to the Chavín culture, it is closer to Cupisnique style, and is thus often referred to as Chavín-Cupisnique style.