South, East, and Southeast Asia B.C.E. 300 – 1980 C.E.

192: Great Stupa at Sanchi Madhya Pradesh, India. Buddhist; Maurya, late Sunga Dynasty. c. 300 B.C.E. – 100 C.E. Stone masonry, sandstone on dome.

193: Terra cotta warriors from mausoleum of the first Qin emperor of China Qin Dynasty. c. 221- 209 B.C.E. Painted terra cotta.

194: Funeral banner of Lady Dai (Xin Zhui) Han Dynasty, China. c. 180 B.C.E. Painted silk.

195: Longmen caves Luoyang, China Tang Dynasty. 493-1127 C.E. Limestone.

Located on both sides of the Yi River . Grottoes and niches of Longmen contain the largest collection of Chinese art of the Late Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties. Entirely devoted to the Buddhist religion. Represent the high point of Chinese stone carving.

Indian art influenced Chinese Buddhist imagery. Over time, travelers, texts, and sacred objects flowed freely into China which resulted in a resemblance between contemporary Indian and Chinese Buddhist images. Tang Dynasty is considered the age of “international Buddhism).

2,300 caves and niches. Steep limestone cliffs. 1km long. 11,000 Buddhist stone statues. 60 stupas (monumental pile of earth in memory of a Buddha or Buddha saint). 2,800 inscriptions carved on steles (vertical stone markers). Work on the sculpture continued over 150 years. Artistic changes over time. Sculptures and reliefs cover walls, ceilings, and floor.

Central Buddha placed as if on the altar of a temple. Has two bodhisattvas (enlightened beings) and two disciples. Flattened and elongated bodies. Faces are rectangular and elongated.

The idea of the power of one supreme deity over others resonated with the Tang Dynasty which was dominated by the Emperor. The sculptures mirrored the political situation.

196: Gold and jade crown Three Kingdoms Period, Silla Kingdom, Korea. Fifth to sixth century C.E. Metalwork.

Korean peninsula was controlled by Han Dynasty until three native kingdoms (Goguryo,Baekje, and Silla) took over until the Silla kingdom conquered the other two kingdoms in 668. Buddhism came from China to Korea then to Japan. Korean art is influenced by Chinese art but has its own identity. Silla crown demonstrates cultural interactions between the Korean peninsula and the Eurasian steppe (grasslands form Central Europe through Asia).

From late 4th through the early 6th century, Silla royalty and elites were buried in aboveground chambers covered with mounds of layers of stone and earth. Hwanfnam Daechong (Great Tomb of Hwangnam), the largest Silla tomb, contained a double burial of a king and his queen together. Contained essentials and luxuries needed for their immortal life (gold, crown and belt set, jewelry, clay vessels, metals, weapons, etc.)

This crown (part of crown/belt set) was found in the queen’s tomb at the double burial. Headband with five vertical elements - three shaped like trees - two like antlers Six dangling pendants. Embellishments - tiny gold disks - jade ornaments (gogok) Attached with wires. Crown is cut from sheet gold and embossed along edges.

A 62 episode-long saguek (Korean period drama) detailing the life of a princess who fought to rule ancient Korea.

197: Todai-ji Nara, Japan. Various artists, including sculptors Unkel and Keikei, as well as the Kei school. 743 C.E.; rebuilt c. 1700. Bronze and wood (sculpture); wood with ceramic-tile roofing (architecture).

741 Emperor Shomu ordered construction of a national system of monasteries. Eastern edge of the city of Nara, Japan. Center for rituals for peace and prosperity of the people. It also functioned as a center for the training of scholar monks who studied Buddhism. Damaged several times during wars and natural disasters. Largest wooden building in the world. Influenced by Chinese sculptures.

Great South Gate Five bays - three bays for passing - two bays closed Three pairs of doors. Deep eaves (overhangs) Both stories are same size. Uncommon 18 giant pillars. Atrium. Largest entrance gate in Japan.

Great Buddha Hall Destroyed twice by fire. Contains the largest wooden structure in the world. Vairocana Buddha - lotus petals at base - engravings - largest metal statue of Buddha in the world. - Mudra – Right hand – do not fear. Left hand – welcome. Meant to stabilize Japan during economic crisis.

Nio Guardian Figures Two muscular guardians at the Great South Gate. Guardians of Buddha. One on either side of gate. Masculine figures that protect the Buddha. Woodblock construction. Sculpted in 69 days. 8.4 meters high.

198: Borobudur Temple Central Java, Indonesia. Sailendra Dynasty. C. 750-842 C.E. Volcanic-stone masonry.

A monument to Buddha. Built to represent many layers of Buddhist theory. Bird’s eye view – shape of a traditional Buddhist mandala. Mandala – central to Buddhist and Hindu art. Mandala – square with a circular center. Central sphere – represents unconsciousness or Nirvana. A place of pilgrimage.

Mountain of earth decorated with stupas (domes), Buddha images, and relief carvings. Worshippers circumambulate (walk around) the monument, beginning on the lowest terrace and move up terrace by terrace. The physical movement symbolizes the path of enlightenment. Impermanence. Moving from darkness to light. Light is the ultimate goal. A parapet (wall) flank each square terrace. Allows worshippers walking on the terrace to see only the sky. It also prevents people below from seeing those above on higher terraces.

Zone 1 The phenomenal world inhabited by common people. Base level covered by supporting foundation hidden from view. 160 reliefs depict scenes of the law of cause and effect. Illustrates the human behavior of desire (robbing, killing, rape, torture, etc.)

Zone 2 The transitional sphere, where humans are released from worldly matters. Four square levels contain galleries of carved stone reliefs. Niches of Buddha statues (328). 1,300 reliefs.

Zone 3 The highest sphere, home of the gods. Three circular terraces leading to a central dome or stupa (inverted bell shape). Represents the rising above the world. Less ornate. Purity of form is important. Buddha sculptures face outward from the temple.