Asia (China/Korean/Japan) By Jessica, Tristan, Vanessa, & Shaina

Porcelains Long imported by neighboring countries as luxury goods and treasures. In China, porcelains emerged during the Tang dynasty ( ) and mature forms developed in the Song ( ). Porcelain objects are fired at an extremely high temperature (well-over 2000°F) in a kiln* until the clay fully fuses into a dense, hard, substance resembling stoner glass. True porcelain is translucent and rings when struck. Chinese ceramists decorate these with colored designs or pictures working with finely ground minerals suspended in water along with a binding agent (such as glue). The painters apply some mineral colors to the clay surface before the main firing and then apply a clear glaze over them.

Porcelain the word 'china' also refers to a type of pottery, Chinese porcelain to be more specific, of which its origins can be traced to the time of the Shang dynasty ( BC) it is regarded as one of the greatest cultural achievements during the history of China (ability to use clay) In the Yuan Dynasty, Jingdezhen, the Capital of Porcelain, produced blue and white porcelain which later became the representative of porcelain. Porcelain of the Ming Dynasty inherited and developed traditions of porcelain of the Song Dynasty. Since the Han and Tang Dynasties, porcelain has been exported worldwide. Promotes economic and cultural exchange between China and the outside world, and profoundly influences the traditional culture and lifestyle of people from all other countries.

Earthenware Common ceramic material, which is used extensively for pottery tableware and decorative objects. Used clays colored by minerals and mineral impurities, especially iron compounds ranging from yellow to brownish black. Considered rare treasures Chinese potters often decorated vessels by simply painting the surface

Lacquered Wood The lacquer tree is indigenous to China During the Shang Dynasty (ca. 1600–1046 BCE), the sophisticated techniques used in the lacquer process were first developed and it became a highly artistic craftShang Dynasty Lacquer prevents the wood from decaying

Advanced decorative techniques were refined to very high standards in Japan Yangzhou lacquerware is recognized not only by its carvings but also by exquisite patterns inlaid with gems, gold, ivory, and mother of pearl. The products are normally screens, cabinets, tables, chairs, vases, trays, cups, boxes and ashtrays lacquer in China included coffins, music instruments, furniture, and various household items

Calligraphy Many Asian paintings bear inscriptions, texts written on the same surface as the picture They held calligraphy in very high esteem – higher, in fact, than painting Calligraphy and painting have always been closely connected Relates to their culture because inscriptions and calligraphy appear almost everywhere in Asia

Calligraphy (cont.)

Watercolors

Silks/Embroidery Discovery of silk: China at 2646 BCE Such a popular commodity that it became a form of currency in the 2nd century Silk and embroidered pieces reached Syria, India, and the Roman Empire via the trade routes through Central Asia After the 12th century, cotton entered China from India, however, silk remained the more commonly used textile for embroidery.

Silks/Embroidery (cont.) Embroidery: used as a form of embellishment since very ancient times. After the beginning of recorded history, embroidery was combined with paint as a textile embellishment. This process was revived during the fall of the Manchu government- fully embroidered garments became cost prohibited. Traditionally, most Chinese silk embroidery was used to decorate religious and official costumes. As the art continued to progress, shoes and purses as well as robes and clothing also started to feature elaborate embroidery. Additionally, specific embroidery was used for flags and banners that indicated rank or station for officials.

Embroidery Stiches Chain stitch - also known as lock, loop or linking stitch, it is one of the oldet and most durable of stitches and was used by many cultures outside of Asia. Peking knot – called seed knot in early centuries and later known as Forbidden Stitch, when it was outlawed from embroidery factories in China for causing women to go blind in their extensive use of it. Couching – also called nail stitch, usually done with a heavy surface thread which is "nailed down" with a thinner thread, either the same color or in a contrasting color. Satin – also called flat stitch, charactherized by long stitches covering the entire width of the design element. Notto be confused with long and short stitch, which was developed later and allowed for complex shading. Stem (xian wen) – sometimes referred to as outline stitch and was often used to outline areas worked in satin stitch. Buttonhole stitch was used during the Han Dynasty as an applique stitch and to finish or bind raw edges of fabrics.

Architecture Chinese architecture consists of many styles (some involving aspects of both Japanese and Korean styles)

Architecture (cont.) As opposed to the Chinese, Korean architecture is generally more colorful, using colors aside from the traditional reds and golds Also utilizes the usage of pillars and columns

Architecture (cont.) Japanese architecture on the other hand is the least colorful of the three countries styles