Unit 8 Overview: South, East, and Southeast Asian Art, 300 BCE-1980 CE
5 min read•march 13, 2023
Charly Castillo
Minna Chow
Charly Castillo
Minna Chow
Information taken from the AP Art History Course and Exam Description
In Unit 7, we learned about West and Central Asia, but now, we're going to move east to the areas that we haven't explored yet 🕵️; welcome to South, East, and Southeast Asia!
In this unit, you'll learn about the influence of different religions and philosophies on people's beliefs and how this translates to their artworks 🖼️ We'll also learn more about cross-cultural interactions on the continent, and how this led to artistic syncretism (fusion of different cultures).
So, without any further delay, let's start learning about the history and art of Unit 8.
Contextualization (AKA The Historical Religious Background)
For this unit, we're going to shake things up a little bit! Because so much of the art that we're going to review was made for religious purposes, it only makes sense to go over South, East, and Southeast Asia's religious history, instead of its general history. Below are brief descriptions of the six main religions of this unit, including when they originated, where they're practiced, and some (not all!) of the related art forms.
Buddhism
- Founded by the Buddha (AKA Siddhartha Gautama) in the 6th century BCE.
- Practiced in all of the nations covered in this unit in different forms (Theravada and , including Zen)
- Neither monotheistic or polytheistic because its followers don't believe in a god-like figure.
- Related Art Forms: , Buddha statues, , (Buddha descending) associated with Pure Land , the ,
Hinduism
- No founder, but first appeared sometime between 2300 BCE and 1500 BCE
- Practiced mainly in India 🇮🇳, but there is a visible Hindu community in Indonesia 🇮🇩
- Some consider to be polytheistic or monotheistic, but it's actually neither (read this article to find out exactly why!)
- Related Art Forms: ,
Daoism
- Founded by in the 6th century BCE.
- Most of its followers live in China 🇨🇳 and Taiwan 🇹🇼, where it functions as both a religion and a philosophy.
- Some believe that should be considered polytheistic, but others argue that it doesn't fit the framework for either monotheistic or polytheistic religions.
- Related Art Forms: Nature scenes (such as )
Confucianism
- Founded by Confucius in 479 BCE.
- More of a system of thought and ethics than a religion.
- Confucianists mainly live in China, but the religion has influenced both cultural and religious practices in South Korea 🇰🇷 and Japan 🇯🇵
- Doesn't have a god or deity (god or goddess in a polytheistic religion), so it isn't considered monotheistic or polytheistic.
- Related Art Forms/Ideas: , ,
Shintoism
- Doesn't have a founder, since it is a religion based on indigenous (native) animist beliefs
- Almost exclusively practiced in Japan 🇯🇵
- Considered polytheistic because its followers believe in different (spirit or gods) that are found throughout nature
- Related Art Forms: Depictions of Gods and Goddesses
Christianity
- Started by in the first century CE
- Brought to Asia by European explorers and missionaries during the Age of Imperialism; small communities of believers on the continent (mainly in 🇯🇵 and 🇰🇷)
- Monotheistic and considered to be one of the three major Abrahamic religions (, Judaism, )
- Related Art Forms: Depictions of God/Saints
Islam
- Founded by in the seventh century CE in what is now Saudi Arabia
- Practiced mainly in India 🇮🇳 during the time of this unit, but now also followed in Indonesia 🇮🇩 and parts of China 🇨🇳 and Cambodia 🇰🇭
- Like , it is monotheistic and Abrahamic.
- Related Art Forms:
Now that you know a bit more about what's going to inspire so many works in this unit, let's get into the art!
Summary of the Works
Here is a summary of the works you need to know for this unit!
And that's it for Unit 8. Hopefully, this guide will come in handy as you go through the AP Art History course and prepare for the final exam. As a bit of motivation, there's only two more guides to go before the end of the course and you're almost there (woot woot 🎉)! Happy studying, art historians!
Key Terms to Review (41)
Ancestor Worship
: Ancestor worship refers to the religious or spiritual practice of revering and paying homage to deceased family members. It involves beliefs that ancestors have the power to influence the lives of their living descendants.Angkor Wat
: Angkor Wat is a temple complex located in Cambodia. It was originally built as a Hindu temple but later transformed into a Buddhist site. It is known for its stunning architecture, intricate bas-reliefs, and its representation of Mount Meru, the mythical home of Hindu gods.Borobudur
: Borobudur is a massive Buddhist temple located in Indonesia. It consists of nine stacked platforms adorned with intricate carvings depicting Buddhist teachings and stories.Buddhism
: Buddhism is a religion and philosophy that originated in ancient India and was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Buddha. It emphasizes the pursuit of enlightenment through meditation, ethical conduct, and the Four Noble Truths.Calligraphy
: Calligraphy is the art of beautiful and decorative handwriting. It involves skillfully writing letters, words, or phrases in a visually appealing manner.Christianity
: Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It believes in salvation through faith in Jesus as the Son of God and emphasizes love, forgiveness, and moral teachings.Daoism
: Daoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy and religion that emphasizes living in harmony with nature (the Dao) and achieving balance through simplicity and spontaneity. It promotes practices such as meditation, tai chi, and qigong to cultivate inner peace and align oneself with the natural flow of life.Filial Piety
: Filial piety is a cultural value that emphasizes respect, obedience, and care towards one's parents and elders. It involves fulfilling familial duties and obligations as a way to honor one's lineage.Forbidden City
: The imperial palace complex located at the center of Beijing, China. It served as the home to Chinese emperors during both Ming and Qing dynasties and is now a major tourist attraction.Funeral banner of Lady Dai (Xin Zhui)
: The Funeral banner of Lady Dai, also known as Xin Zhui, is a silk banner that was found in the tomb of Lady Dai from the Han Dynasty. It depicts various scenes and symbols related to her funeral and afterlife beliefs.Gold and Jade Crown
: The Gold and Jade Crown is a ceremonial headpiece made of gold and jade that was worn by royalty in ancient Korea. It symbolizes power, wealth, and prestige.Great Stupa at Sanchi
: The Great Stupa at Sanchi is a large Buddhist monument located in central India. It was built to house relics of the Buddha and is considered one of the oldest stone structures in India.Hindu Temple
: A Hindu temple is a place of worship and spiritual practice for followers of Hinduism. It is typically dedicated to one or more deities and serves as a sacred space for rituals, prayers, and religious ceremonies.Hinduism
: Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, originating from ancient India. It encompasses a wide range of beliefs, rituals, and practices centered around dharma (moral duty), karma (action and consequence), and moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).Images of Hindu Gods/Goddesses
: Images of Hindu gods and goddesses are visual representations used in Hindu religious practices. These images depict various deities with specific attributes and symbolism, serving as focal points for devotion and meditation.Islam
: Islam is a monotheistic religion founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE. It is based on the belief in one God (Allah) and follows the teachings of the Quran, which Muslims consider to be the word of God revealed to Muhammad.Jahangir Preferring a Sufi Shaikh to Kings
: "Jahangir Preferring a Sufi Shaikh to Kings" is an artwork created by Bichitr during the Mughal Empire in India. It depicts Emperor Jahangir showing his preference for spiritual guidance over political power by placing himself alongside Sufi saints rather than kings or nobles.Jesus Christ
: Jesus Christ is the central figure of Christianity, believed to be the Son of God and the savior of humanity. He is considered by Christians to be both fully human and fully divine.Kami
: In Shintoism, kami refers to divine spirits or deities that are worshipped. They can be found in natural elements like mountains, rivers, trees, as well as ancestral spirits.Lakshmana Temple
: The Lakshmana Temple is a Hindu temple located in Khajuraho, India. It was built during the Chandela dynasty and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.Laozi
: Laozi, also known as Lao Tzu, was an ancient Chinese philosopher and the legendary founder of Daoism. He is credited with writing the foundational text of Daoism called the "Dao De Jing," which explores concepts such as the Dao (the Way) and wu wei (effortless action).Longmen Caves
: The Longmen Caves are ancient Buddhist cave temples located in China. They are known for their intricate carvings and statues, which were created during the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties.Mahayana
: Mahayana is a branch of Buddhism that emphasizes compassion and the belief in multiple Buddhas and bodhisattvas who can help guide individuals towards enlightenment.Mandalas
: Mandalas are geometric patterns that represent the universe in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. They often feature a central point surrounded by symmetrical shapes and symbols.Muhammad
: Muhammad was the founder of Islam and is considered by Muslims to be the last prophet sent by Allah. He received revelations from Allah through the angel Gabriel, which were later compiled into the Qur'an.Night Attack on the Sanjô Palace
: A famous Japanese handscroll painting depicting a historical event known as the Night Attack on the Sanjô Palace, which took place in 1159. It portrays the conflict between two rival samurai clans, the Taira and Minamoto.Paintings of Ancestors
: Paintings of ancestors are artworks that depict the likeness of deceased family members. These paintings serve as a way to honor and remember ancestors in many cultures.Portrait of Sin Sukju
: The Portrait of Sin Sukju is a Korean portrait painting created during the Joseon Dynasty. It depicts Sin Sukju, an influential statesman and scholar, in a dignified manner.Raigo scenes
: Raigo scenes depict the Amida Buddha descending from heaven to welcome souls into the Pure Land. These Japanese paintings show compassionate figures guiding deceased individuals towards enlightenment.Red and White Plum Blossoms
: A pair of six-fold screens created by Ogata Kōrin, featuring vibrant red and white plum blossoms against a gold background. It represents the beauty of nature and is considered one of Japan's national treasures.Ryōan-ji
: Ryōan-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. It is famous for its dry rock garden, consisting of carefully arranged rocks and raked gravel, which is considered a masterpiece of Japanese Zen art.Shintoism
: Shintoism is an indigenous religion of Japan that focuses on the worship of kami, which are spirits or deities believed to reside in natural elements like mountains, rivers, and trees. It emphasizes a deep connection with nature and rituals to honor ancestors.Shiva as Lord of Dance (Nataraja)
: Shiva as Lord of Dance is a Hindu sculpture depicting the god Shiva performing his cosmic dance. It symbolizes creation, destruction, and the cycle of life.Stupas
: Stupas are dome-shaped structures found in Buddhist architecture that serve as sacred monuments and reliquaries. They often contain relics or remains of important Buddhist figures and are considered places of pilgrimage and meditation.The David Vases
: The David Vases are a pair of blue-and-white porcelain vases made during China's Yuan dynasty (14th century). They are named after their inscriptions which mention an individual named Zhang Wenjin who dedicated them to a Daoist temple.Tōdai-ji
: Tōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple located in Nara, Japan. It is known for housing one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu) in Japan and serves as an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.Travelers among Mountains and Streams
: "Travelers among Mountains and Streams" is a painting created by Fan Kuan during the Northern Song dynasty in China. It depicts a serene landscape with towering mountains, flowing streams, and tiny figures traveling through nature.Under the Wave off Kanagawa (Kanagawa Oki Nami Ura)
: A woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai from his series "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji." It depicts a massive wave about to engulf boats near Kanagawa prefecture. The artwork symbolizes both the power and beauty of nature.Zen Buddhism
: Zen Buddhism is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes direct experience through meditation as a means to achieve enlightenment. It originated in China (Chan) before spreading to Japan (Zen).Zen ink painting
: Zen ink painting is a traditional form of Japanese art that focuses on simplicity and minimalism. It uses black ink to create expressive brushstrokes and often depicts natural scenes or abstract concepts.Zen rock garden
: Zen rock gardens, also known as karesansui gardens, are minimalist Japanese gardens consisting of carefully arranged rocks, gravel, moss, and sometimes plants. They aim to evoke tranquility and contemplation.Unit 8 Overview: South, East, and Southeast Asian Art, 300 BCE-1980 CE
5 min read•march 13, 2023
Charly Castillo
Minna Chow
Charly Castillo
Minna Chow
Information taken from the AP Art History Course and Exam Description
In Unit 7, we learned about West and Central Asia, but now, we're going to move east to the areas that we haven't explored yet 🕵️; welcome to South, East, and Southeast Asia!
In this unit, you'll learn about the influence of different religions and philosophies on people's beliefs and how this translates to their artworks 🖼️ We'll also learn more about cross-cultural interactions on the continent, and how this led to artistic syncretism (fusion of different cultures).
So, without any further delay, let's start learning about the history and art of Unit 8.
Contextualization (AKA The Historical Religious Background)
For this unit, we're going to shake things up a little bit! Because so much of the art that we're going to review was made for religious purposes, it only makes sense to go over South, East, and Southeast Asia's religious history, instead of its general history. Below are brief descriptions of the six main religions of this unit, including when they originated, where they're practiced, and some (not all!) of the related art forms.
Buddhism
- Founded by the Buddha (AKA Siddhartha Gautama) in the 6th century BCE.
- Practiced in all of the nations covered in this unit in different forms (Theravada and , including Zen)
- Neither monotheistic or polytheistic because its followers don't believe in a god-like figure.
- Related Art Forms: , Buddha statues, , (Buddha descending) associated with Pure Land , the ,
Hinduism
- No founder, but first appeared sometime between 2300 BCE and 1500 BCE
- Practiced mainly in India 🇮🇳, but there is a visible Hindu community in Indonesia 🇮🇩
- Some consider to be polytheistic or monotheistic, but it's actually neither (read this article to find out exactly why!)
- Related Art Forms: ,
Daoism
- Founded by in the 6th century BCE.
- Most of its followers live in China 🇨🇳 and Taiwan 🇹🇼, where it functions as both a religion and a philosophy.
- Some believe that should be considered polytheistic, but others argue that it doesn't fit the framework for either monotheistic or polytheistic religions.
- Related Art Forms: Nature scenes (such as )
Confucianism
- Founded by Confucius in 479 BCE.
- More of a system of thought and ethics than a religion.
- Confucianists mainly live in China, but the religion has influenced both cultural and religious practices in South Korea 🇰🇷 and Japan 🇯🇵
- Doesn't have a god or deity (god or goddess in a polytheistic religion), so it isn't considered monotheistic or polytheistic.
- Related Art Forms/Ideas: , ,
Shintoism
- Doesn't have a founder, since it is a religion based on indigenous (native) animist beliefs
- Almost exclusively practiced in Japan 🇯🇵
- Considered polytheistic because its followers believe in different (spirit or gods) that are found throughout nature
- Related Art Forms: Depictions of Gods and Goddesses
Christianity
- Started by in the first century CE
- Brought to Asia by European explorers and missionaries during the Age of Imperialism; small communities of believers on the continent (mainly in 🇯🇵 and 🇰🇷)
- Monotheistic and considered to be one of the three major Abrahamic religions (, Judaism, )
- Related Art Forms: Depictions of God/Saints
Islam
- Founded by in the seventh century CE in what is now Saudi Arabia
- Practiced mainly in India 🇮🇳 during the time of this unit, but now also followed in Indonesia 🇮🇩 and parts of China 🇨🇳 and Cambodia 🇰🇭
- Like , it is monotheistic and Abrahamic.
- Related Art Forms:
Now that you know a bit more about what's going to inspire so many works in this unit, let's get into the art!
Summary of the Works
Here is a summary of the works you need to know for this unit!
And that's it for Unit 8. Hopefully, this guide will come in handy as you go through the AP Art History course and prepare for the final exam. As a bit of motivation, there's only two more guides to go before the end of the course and you're almost there (woot woot 🎉)! Happy studying, art historians!
Key Terms to Review (41)
Ancestor Worship
: Ancestor worship refers to the religious or spiritual practice of revering and paying homage to deceased family members. It involves beliefs that ancestors have the power to influence the lives of their living descendants.Angkor Wat
: Angkor Wat is a temple complex located in Cambodia. It was originally built as a Hindu temple but later transformed into a Buddhist site. It is known for its stunning architecture, intricate bas-reliefs, and its representation of Mount Meru, the mythical home of Hindu gods.Borobudur
: Borobudur is a massive Buddhist temple located in Indonesia. It consists of nine stacked platforms adorned with intricate carvings depicting Buddhist teachings and stories.Buddhism
: Buddhism is a religion and philosophy that originated in ancient India and was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Buddha. It emphasizes the pursuit of enlightenment through meditation, ethical conduct, and the Four Noble Truths.Calligraphy
: Calligraphy is the art of beautiful and decorative handwriting. It involves skillfully writing letters, words, or phrases in a visually appealing manner.Christianity
: Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It believes in salvation through faith in Jesus as the Son of God and emphasizes love, forgiveness, and moral teachings.Daoism
: Daoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy and religion that emphasizes living in harmony with nature (the Dao) and achieving balance through simplicity and spontaneity. It promotes practices such as meditation, tai chi, and qigong to cultivate inner peace and align oneself with the natural flow of life.Filial Piety
: Filial piety is a cultural value that emphasizes respect, obedience, and care towards one's parents and elders. It involves fulfilling familial duties and obligations as a way to honor one's lineage.Forbidden City
: The imperial palace complex located at the center of Beijing, China. It served as the home to Chinese emperors during both Ming and Qing dynasties and is now a major tourist attraction.Funeral banner of Lady Dai (Xin Zhui)
: The Funeral banner of Lady Dai, also known as Xin Zhui, is a silk banner that was found in the tomb of Lady Dai from the Han Dynasty. It depicts various scenes and symbols related to her funeral and afterlife beliefs.Gold and Jade Crown
: The Gold and Jade Crown is a ceremonial headpiece made of gold and jade that was worn by royalty in ancient Korea. It symbolizes power, wealth, and prestige.Great Stupa at Sanchi
: The Great Stupa at Sanchi is a large Buddhist monument located in central India. It was built to house relics of the Buddha and is considered one of the oldest stone structures in India.Hindu Temple
: A Hindu temple is a place of worship and spiritual practice for followers of Hinduism. It is typically dedicated to one or more deities and serves as a sacred space for rituals, prayers, and religious ceremonies.Hinduism
: Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, originating from ancient India. It encompasses a wide range of beliefs, rituals, and practices centered around dharma (moral duty), karma (action and consequence), and moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).Images of Hindu Gods/Goddesses
: Images of Hindu gods and goddesses are visual representations used in Hindu religious practices. These images depict various deities with specific attributes and symbolism, serving as focal points for devotion and meditation.Islam
: Islam is a monotheistic religion founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE. It is based on the belief in one God (Allah) and follows the teachings of the Quran, which Muslims consider to be the word of God revealed to Muhammad.Jahangir Preferring a Sufi Shaikh to Kings
: "Jahangir Preferring a Sufi Shaikh to Kings" is an artwork created by Bichitr during the Mughal Empire in India. It depicts Emperor Jahangir showing his preference for spiritual guidance over political power by placing himself alongside Sufi saints rather than kings or nobles.Jesus Christ
: Jesus Christ is the central figure of Christianity, believed to be the Son of God and the savior of humanity. He is considered by Christians to be both fully human and fully divine.Kami
: In Shintoism, kami refers to divine spirits or deities that are worshipped. They can be found in natural elements like mountains, rivers, trees, as well as ancestral spirits.Lakshmana Temple
: The Lakshmana Temple is a Hindu temple located in Khajuraho, India. It was built during the Chandela dynasty and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.Laozi
: Laozi, also known as Lao Tzu, was an ancient Chinese philosopher and the legendary founder of Daoism. He is credited with writing the foundational text of Daoism called the "Dao De Jing," which explores concepts such as the Dao (the Way) and wu wei (effortless action).Longmen Caves
: The Longmen Caves are ancient Buddhist cave temples located in China. They are known for their intricate carvings and statues, which were created during the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties.Mahayana
: Mahayana is a branch of Buddhism that emphasizes compassion and the belief in multiple Buddhas and bodhisattvas who can help guide individuals towards enlightenment.Mandalas
: Mandalas are geometric patterns that represent the universe in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. They often feature a central point surrounded by symmetrical shapes and symbols.Muhammad
: Muhammad was the founder of Islam and is considered by Muslims to be the last prophet sent by Allah. He received revelations from Allah through the angel Gabriel, which were later compiled into the Qur'an.Night Attack on the Sanjô Palace
: A famous Japanese handscroll painting depicting a historical event known as the Night Attack on the Sanjô Palace, which took place in 1159. It portrays the conflict between two rival samurai clans, the Taira and Minamoto.Paintings of Ancestors
: Paintings of ancestors are artworks that depict the likeness of deceased family members. These paintings serve as a way to honor and remember ancestors in many cultures.Portrait of Sin Sukju
: The Portrait of Sin Sukju is a Korean portrait painting created during the Joseon Dynasty. It depicts Sin Sukju, an influential statesman and scholar, in a dignified manner.Raigo scenes
: Raigo scenes depict the Amida Buddha descending from heaven to welcome souls into the Pure Land. These Japanese paintings show compassionate figures guiding deceased individuals towards enlightenment.Red and White Plum Blossoms
: A pair of six-fold screens created by Ogata Kōrin, featuring vibrant red and white plum blossoms against a gold background. It represents the beauty of nature and is considered one of Japan's national treasures.Ryōan-ji
: Ryōan-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. It is famous for its dry rock garden, consisting of carefully arranged rocks and raked gravel, which is considered a masterpiece of Japanese Zen art.Shintoism
: Shintoism is an indigenous religion of Japan that focuses on the worship of kami, which are spirits or deities believed to reside in natural elements like mountains, rivers, and trees. It emphasizes a deep connection with nature and rituals to honor ancestors.Shiva as Lord of Dance (Nataraja)
: Shiva as Lord of Dance is a Hindu sculpture depicting the god Shiva performing his cosmic dance. It symbolizes creation, destruction, and the cycle of life.Stupas
: Stupas are dome-shaped structures found in Buddhist architecture that serve as sacred monuments and reliquaries. They often contain relics or remains of important Buddhist figures and are considered places of pilgrimage and meditation.The David Vases
: The David Vases are a pair of blue-and-white porcelain vases made during China's Yuan dynasty (14th century). They are named after their inscriptions which mention an individual named Zhang Wenjin who dedicated them to a Daoist temple.Tōdai-ji
: Tōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple located in Nara, Japan. It is known for housing one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu) in Japan and serves as an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.Travelers among Mountains and Streams
: "Travelers among Mountains and Streams" is a painting created by Fan Kuan during the Northern Song dynasty in China. It depicts a serene landscape with towering mountains, flowing streams, and tiny figures traveling through nature.Under the Wave off Kanagawa (Kanagawa Oki Nami Ura)
: A woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai from his series "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji." It depicts a massive wave about to engulf boats near Kanagawa prefecture. The artwork symbolizes both the power and beauty of nature.Zen Buddhism
: Zen Buddhism is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes direct experience through meditation as a means to achieve enlightenment. It originated in China (Chan) before spreading to Japan (Zen).Zen ink painting
: Zen ink painting is a traditional form of Japanese art that focuses on simplicity and minimalism. It uses black ink to create expressive brushstrokes and often depicts natural scenes or abstract concepts.Zen rock garden
: Zen rock gardens, also known as karesansui gardens, are minimalist Japanese gardens consisting of carefully arranged rocks, gravel, moss, and sometimes plants. They aim to evoke tranquility and contemplation.
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