This chapter begins with India as it became a more complex intermingling of beliefs and traditions with the addition of Islam. In China the continuation of ancient traditions is altered by the intrusion of Mongol power and ideas. Japan, too, finds itself in transition with the strong presence of Buddhist thought blending with indigenous Shinto beliefs.
In this chapter, you will:
- Appreciate the stresses, tensions, and creativity that derive from ancient ways accommodating to new ideas
- Recognize the distinctive characteristics of temple design in northern and southern India
- See how India makes Islamic art something that is Indian
- Watch the continuation of the ancient Chinese landscape tradition and its transformation under changing philosophies
- Witness the complex new power of the Ming transform Chinese art and architecture
- Observe the emergence of Esoteric and Pure Land Buddhism in Japan
- Learn about two new techniques, joined-wood sculpture and the color woodcut in Japanese art
- Read about the development of an entirely new kind of gardening--the dry landscape garden in Japan
