A Medley of Asian Art
China
Nine Dragons by Chen Rong (1244) China
Nine Dragons was a scroll created by Chen Rong in China, dated to 1244 and is considered one of the most famous examples of ancient Chinese artwork. Dragons have played a large part of Chinese history, symbolizing power, strength, and wisdom. Being a mythological creature, dragon depictions were up to the discretion and interpretation of the artist.
Nine Dragons was created using ink on paper. I really admire Rong's ability to manipulate the ink to create not only fine lines, but to also create what appears clouds or shadows surrounding the body of the dragon. In a lot of western interpretations of dragons, the dragons are painted as something scary or something to be feared. However in Rong's piece, the dragon appears to be almost docile. The facial expression appears to be calm and almost curious.
Japan
Yamuba blackening Her teeth and Kintoki by Kitagawa Utamoro (1795) Japan
Teeth blackening has been a tradition in the history of Japan and other parts of Asia. Teeth blackening was done for many reasons, one of them being to cover any tooth decay or yellowness. It was also popular among geishas and women looking to marry. It was often saved for special events and occasions.
I really enjoyed this print by Utamoro. I liked that the only color used was blue for the flowers on her kimono and that both the subjects of the print are smiling, probably getting ready for a wedding or some kind of celebration since Yamuba is blackening her teeth.
India
The Taj Mahal built by Ustad Ahmad Lahouri (1631) Aghra, India
The Taj Mahal was originally built to be an extravagant burial site for the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan's wife, Mumtaz Mahal; as well as a tribute to the Mughal empire.
I hope to one day travel to see the Taj Mahal in person. The perfection and thought put into every detail and the size and grandiosity of it is something that I think only seeing in person would do it justice. The sheer symmetrical architecture that was achieved in 1631 is amazing and one of the reason why the Taj Mahal is considered a wonder of the world.
One of the details I find interesting the is the decision to cover the tomb of Jahan and Mahal in floral patterns as opposed to inscriptions. I read that the decision to cover the tomb in roses was because under Jahan's rule "Hindustan has become the rose garden of the earth, and his reign has become the spring season (Koch)".
Works Cited
Thank you for the information! I didn't know that in Japan, teeth blackening was used for special events and was from my understanding kind of like a beauty trend. Its very cool to look back at the evolution of beauty standards in different countries. I love the drapery in art created by Kitagawa Utamoro, the mirror and the drapping of the traditional dress draws my eyes in a diagonal direction. I also enjoy the love and intimate relationship between the mother and child. Also with the Nine Dragons piece, the clouds really bring the dragon to life. It is as if it is really peering out of the clouds and off of the paper. Asia is huge and has some beautiful varying cultures.
ReplyDeleteDid you know that the Taj Mahal is India's top tourist attraction with 6.5 million people having visited it in 2018. It is also made of white marble. It is definitely on my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteI really love how you took examples from 3 different countries. What a great idea.
I especially love the dragon from Chen Rong. The technique is fascinating, and the dragon really looks cute and reminds me a little of a calm, friendly, old man and not scary at all.
Had also no idea that they used to blacken their teeth in Japan. I cannot even imagine how that looked like. Just imagine someone now smiling at you with blackened teeth, even if the idea behind it makes very much sense and was a smart easy (and later on probably a painful) way to hide the bad teeth.