Course Detail
Units:
3.0
Course Components:
Lecture
Enrollment Information
Enrollment Requirement:
Recommended Prerequisite: ARTH 2500.
Description
The course introduces Buddhist are and architecture of Asia from 566 CE to the 19th century. We begin with India, the birthplace of the historical Buddha and turn to China, Japan, and Korea. We take this opportunity to look both broadly and closely at how works of art and architecture reflect and engage with the doctrine and practice of different schools of Buddhism. The course begins with an inquiry into the initial motivation behind the making of "the Buddha image" and its subsequent replications. We then look at the visual-tellings of Buddhism in the narrative art of India and China. In addition, we also consider the relationship between patronage, styles, and the ritual use of arts in the Chan and Zen schools. Moreover, we explore the sacred space in the painted mandalas of Japan and in three-dimensional stone monuments of Southeast Asia.