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A S I A N   A R T :   J a p a n ,   C h i n a ,   &   I n d i a

JAPAN

BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR TEACHERS

Japanese, ca.17th century Pair of Sliding Doors, Tigers In a Bamboo Grove Pigments and gold leaf on paper 6 feet x 5 feet Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Purchase, The Adolph D. and Wilkins C. Williams Fund 66.77.1/2

Scenes of tigers in a bamboo grove decorate this pair of sliding doors or walls (fusuma) which originally divided rooms in a Japanese monastery or a secular building. In Japanese art, tigers first appeared in Zen Buddhist imagery as symbols of the forces of nature and the human spirit that were to be mastered by spiritual insight. Frequently painted on the walls of Buddhist monateries, tigers probably served as symbols of the mysteries of life that must be contemplated in order to attain spiritual wisdom. Eventually, the tiger motif spread from Zen Buddhist circles into the everyday world. Such an image appealed greatly to the Japanese military classes, for whom the tiger symbolized strength and virility. The bamboo trees, in contrast, symbolize pliant resistance, because they bent, but do not break. Combined, the two symbols represent characteristics desired by powerful Japanese men.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Recall tigers that are popular symbols in American culture today. What do these famous tigers stand for: Tony the Tiger,the Exxon tiger, the Cincinnati Bengals' tiger? How are the symbols of a tiger in America similar to the one on this slide? How are they different? Think about your school mascot? Why was it chosen to represent your teams?

STUDENT ACTIVITY SUGGESTIONS

Select a plant and/or animal whose traits might be used as a symbol for the class (for example, a wise owl might symbolize how smart they are; the first spring flower, a crocus, might symbolize their youth and optimism). Have students design and paint their own symbols and cover the classroom door with them.

CHINA

BACKGROUND INFORMATION TEACHERS

This sculpture is a Bactrian (Back-tree-an) camel, a two-humped camel native to central and southwest Asia that was once used to transport goods. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907) - from which this piece originates - the Chinese often traded with the Near East, Byzantium, and Europe. Silks, spices, gems, and other trade goods were taken to these faraway lands by caravans that traveled along the "Silk Route", a network of roads and trails stretching from China to Europe. Travel over this fabled highway, which crossed many miles of the Central Asia, was possible only because of the strength and endurance of the Bactrian camel.

So prized was this noble beast that it became a popular subject of sculpture placed in graves. This example, one of a number of statues found in the tomb of a high-ranking person, shows a camel carrying a heavy load of trade goods. It stands with raised head and eyes gazing into the distance. Water flasks and food necessary for the long journey hang from its pack.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

With which countries does China trade today? What kinds of products or raw materials do they trade? What type of transportation do they use?

STUDENT ACTIVITY SUGGESTION

Change this sculpture (a three-dimensional object) into a painting (a two- dimensional object). First research the deserts of the world. How is the Gobi Desert different than other deserts? Learn about the kinds of land forms, plants, and animals of this Asian desert. Then, paint a picture of a camel in the Gobi Desert. Be sure to include as many details as possible and show the type of scenery (geography) that the trade caravans might have passed through.

INDIA BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR TEACHERS

Indian (Tamil Nadu), ca. 12th-early 13th century Shiva Nataraja (pronounced: SHE-va NA-ta-ra-jah) Bronze 38 5/8"H x 28"W x 12"D Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Purchase, The Adolph D. and Wilkins C. Williams Fund 69.46

Shiva, one the primary gods in the Hindu religion, is the great god who created the universe, sustains its rhythmic life, and destroys it at the end of time. In this statue he is shown doing his cosmic dance. Even though Shiva has assumed human form, his many arms remind followers that he is infinitely more powerful than oridinary mortals. Each hand holds a different symbol. In his right hand he holds a drum - the symbol of sound - the first of the five elements thtat announces creation and the beginning of time. In the palm of his upper left hand, he originally held a flame (now missing) - a symbol of the world's destruciton by fire at the end of time. His other right hand is raised in the mudra (a symbolic hand-gesture) meant to gice the follower freedom fromfear. The other left hand points to his upraised left foot - a symbol of release. His right, front foot tramples the demon of ignorant forgetfulness. If the believer overcomes ignorance and remembers the true meaning of Shiva's dance, he or she will be delivered from fear and attain release from this imperfect world forever. Originally, poles would have been inserted through the four square openings at the bottom so that the statue could be carried through the streets in ritual processions.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

According to Hindu belief, people live more than one life - that is, they are born, die, and are reborn again in another form. If in a past lifetime, they haveled good lives, they will be reborn into a higher level of existence. If you could come back to Earth as anything, what would you be and why? What actions do you think you can do in this life to earn a higher place in the next? What actions might earn you a lower place?

STUDENT ACTIVITY SUGGESTION

Have the class suggest questions about Shiva that they would like to have answered. Pick the two or three most popular questions and have everyone create an "answer" for each. Present the different answers and vote on those most likely to be correct. Research the correct answers or bring the questions to the Museum to ask on your tour.

TO ORDER LOAN MATERIALS

Films, videos, and slide sets are available on loan, free of charge, to any non-profit organization in Virginia who is a member of Statewide Media Resources, a visual-resource lending service of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Any non-profit school, church, club, or civic group may become a member for an annual fee of only $25, which includes free use of films, videos, and slide sets, and reduced loan fees on all pre-packaged exhibitions.
Statewide Media Resources, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Boulevard Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220-4007.

Please note: because of the heavy demand for use of materials, requests for loans should be placed well ahead of the showing dates-at least three weeks in advance.