Last class someone (sorry I’m not good with names or faces) brought up the idea of the Middle Eastern illuminated manuscript being influenced by Asian, specifically Chinese and Japanese art and vice versa; however, I’m at a loss as to what specific influences Middle Eastern art has had on those cultures’ arts, especially Japanese art, since Japan was a distant, mostly isolationist (even exchange with China was limited) island. If anyone could point me in the right direction towards some examples or historical references, those would be greatly appreciated 🙂
P.S. Can someone tell me if this class is writing intensive? Because you people are writing a LOT on these blog posts.
I’m amused that no one answered my question, but maybe there hasn’t been enough time for the responses to roll in yet. Also, the blog posts and comments are getting even longer… Seriously guys, is this supposed to be a writing intensive class but I somehow missed the memo?
Hi Carolin. Good question. Nope, this is not a writing intensive class. While there isn’t a word-count limit or expectation for the posts, there is an expectation that the posts be a forum for you to “react contemplatively, eloquently and creatively” (syllabus p. 5 ). Each person interprets the parameters of the blog a bit differently. Please feel free though to come and talk to me if you have questions. Hope this helps. 🙂
That was my comment and you are right, Japan in particular was more isolationist. I quickly mentioned Japan because I was just quickly just thinking of Asian nations (particularly Buddhist influenced nations for the surprisingly transcendent aesthetic found) as examples. I don’t know much about how they influenced one another exactly. But here is a direct comparison of a Persian illumination and a Chinese painting. Granted these are a years apart, however the similarity should be visible instantly. Look at the shape of the characters, the dimension, creation of “perspective”, and the undeniably similar stylistic treatment of clouds.
http://a4.typepad.com/6a017ee66ba427970d01bb08764dac970d-pi
Detail of “the Prophet’s ascent” attributable to Sultan Muhammad, part of Shah Tahmasp’s Khamsa of Nizami (16th century)
http://38.media.tumblr.com/ab9e18f72eda19f8719337fdd0989a3f/tumblr_inline_n1grozLF8O1sorhz5.jpg
Mural painting from the Fahai Temple China (1439-1443)