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• When ancient civilizations in Asia flourished, trade became a very important activity. In the process of establishing trading relationships among Asian countries, they started sharing their cultures and belief systems.
• China, being one of the oldest civilizations in Asia, has a rich history when it comes to culture and the arts. Most of their cultural and even religious beliefs and practices are represented through different artworks.
• Japan was initially influenced by China in terms of the arts. Later on, they opened themselves to the Western world, allowing for the fusion of East and West. Both Chinese and Japanese artworks are concrete manifestations of their cultural identity as a people.
• Philippine art was a product of several periods in history spanning from the pre-colonial period to the contemporary times. Depending on a given context, art in the Philippines has served various uses from everyday living to expression of belief systems and advocacies.
• In the present context, China is at the forefront of economic development. Its booming economy has led to its modernization. In addition, history shows that China has been at the leading edge of development especially in terms of cultural development.
• Inhabitants of China in the past were able to produce primitive artisan works. Excavated pieces show bronze vessels with intricate designs depicting a lot of imagery dating from the second millennium BCE.
• The Chinese during the Zhou Dynasty was under a feudal kind of social system. It was a parallel period with that of Greece's Golden Age: a period when culture, particularly art, has flourished tremendously.
• During this period, metal works befitting the royal family were produced in abundance. Jade was also a popular choice of material for artworks.
• Confucianism was the dominant way of life subscribed to by the general public.
• The Chinese also had interactions with Western missionaries who came from India and brought some of the Indian influences to China. Because of this, Indian models inspired a lot of Chinese artists for a few centuries.
• By the start of the sixth century, Chinese artists started making art that highlighted their very own culture. Paintings usually depicted magical places and realms that were born out of sheer imagination while still infusing the Chinese characters that define their culture.
• It was a dominant belief that a great power coming from a higher spirit is the one moving the artist and his work together.
• Chinese paintings


  • Monumental styles wherein rocks and mountains served as a barrier that made the viewer distracted initially from the main subject of the work
  • Rounded forms rise in a way that it flows from the background into the foreground
  • Artists used sharp brushstrokes to provide detail in their works
  • Aimed to give the audience a multiple perspectives on the subject
• Porcelain is one of the commonly used items to make decorative ornaments, such as vases and jars. Some artifacts from excavation sites show intricate works of the Chinese in these porcelain vases. This can be attributed to the tradition of passing down the artistry from one generation to the next.
• The focal point in these vases depicts a central theme: nature. They believe that man is an integral part of nature ensuring that there is a certain balance in it. But part of their culture is emphasizing a form of social life, giving importance to communities and interactions among people.
• Common overarching themes of Chinese artworks

  • Everyday activities
  • War and violence
  • Death
  • Nature
• It is customary for the ancient Chinese people to show respect for their ancestors and departed relatives. From a Western point of view, this reverence of the Chinese can be mistaken for as that of worshipping gods. Most of the departed of the ancient Chinese were placed in either gold or bronze vessels, depending on their social status.
• Art in Japan has undergone a series of transitions and periodization. From being an isolated nation to that of embracing Western influences and modernization, Japan has transitioned into a modern cultural mixing pot. It is evident how the Japanese were able to infuse local and indigenous materials with modern Western subjects and focal points.
• Based on artifacts such as ceramic figures and ornaments, it is important to take note that there are Korean and Chinese influences evident in Japanese artworks. One of the ceramic products created by the Japanese is called Haniwa. These are ceramic figures that are made up of clay. They are placed beside burial spots for reasons that are unknown.
• The native religion of Japan is Shintoism. Although, this religion subscribes to beliefs such as being one with nature and embracing the notion of the existence of many gods, it did not use art to communicate its beliefs. When Japan established trading relations with China, they did not only trade goods with them but they were also influenced by the Chinese with their religious beliefs and practices. Buddhism became an integral part of Japanese culture. Artworks such as images and sculptures of Buddha were produced. Buddhist temples also became staples in key places. Art in essence became an expression of worship for the Japanese.
• After the fourteenth century, Japan isolated itself from the rest of the world, which in effect, gave them the avenue to let their culture flourish. The Japanese style of painting leaned toward abstract and naturalistic handling. In essence, the artist is given the free reign for his work, which had more room for spontaneity and individuality.
• Japanese artworks


  • Individual portraits
  • Elements of nature
  • Scenes from everyday life
• Japanese painting


  • Ukiyo-e painting entitled 'Ase o fuku onna' (Woman Wiping Face), a print: color and woodcut
• Before the colonizers came to the Philippines, ethnic minorities have used art not only for daily activities but also for religious rituals and practices.
• Art forms used by early Filipino ethnic communities

  • Pottery
  • Weaving
  • Carving
  • Metalwork and jewelry
• Pottery is said to be one of the earliest art forms used by the early Filipino people. One of the most prominent artifacts related to pottery is the Manunggal Jar found in Palawan. This jar is a representation of the early Filipinos' religious beliefs and practices. It serves as a burial jar, which depicts two men rowing a boat.
• This reflects their belief in afterlife—the crossing of the body of water is a transition from life here on earth unto the next.
• Eventually, pottery produced items that are of practical value for the early Filipinos, such as pots for cooking and large vases for storing.
• Weaving was also one of the earliest forms of art expressions in the Philippines. One of the most popular artisans of weaving is the people from the Cordilleras. They are known for their colorful woven cloth, which also have both religious and practical value.
• The T'boli people from Mindanao are also known for their woven abaca cloth called t'nalak. They use this particular cloth to make ornaments, which also represent their beliefs through symbols. One example is the image of the frog, which is their representation for fertility.
• Woodcarvings from Palawan also depict animals like birds, which are representations of their religious beliefs. According to local stories, the birds serve as the messengers of the people to the heavens and vice versa.
• In Mindanao, the Tausug and Maranao people are known for their okir, which are designs applied to their woodcarvings. Their common subjects include the sarimanok, naga, and the pako rabong. Each subject is a representation for a certain theme or motif but generally, these symbols depict their beliefs as a people.
• The sarimanok is a stylized design of a mythical bird either standing on a fish or holding a piece of fish on its beak. The story of the sarimanok was a central figure to a number of legends. One narrative tells the origin of the word sarimanok.
• The pako rabong, on the other hand, is like a growing fern with a broad base. The fern gracefully stems and tapers upward. The sarimanok and naga are usually used as ornamental designs for the houses of the sultans.
• When the Spaniards discovered the Philippines during the sixteenth century, they introduced their religion to the local people. Aside from acquiring resources, they had a goal to replace the existing indigenous cultural practices and beliefs of the early Filipinos. Art was used by the Spaniards to propagate their Christian faith while at the same time, subtly establishing their foothold in the country.
• The Church, just like in Western Europe at one point, became the sole patron of the arts. This can be evidently seen through the construction of churches. These churches house various relics and paintings. There is an underlying move to integrate Western culture and ideals in the Philippine setting.
• Being under colonial rule, it is not surprising for Filipinos to express their indignation and desire for liberation. Art became one of the avenues for Filipino patriots and nationalists.
• Probably one of the most famous works that expressed Filipino nationalism and stood against the colonizers

  • Juan Luna's "Spoliarium"
• Luna's win signaled the start of the Filipino's call for equality.
• When the Philippines was liberated from the Spanish rule, the Americans took over to establish a colonial government. They also propagated their culture and beliefs through the implementation of public school systems.