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This course will explore the dynamic relationships between arts and religions in China from ancient times (c.1200 BCE) through the 19th century. We will learn how people in China imparted meaning to physical artifacts drawing upon China's rich history of moral, philosophical, and religious thought. Special emphasis will be given to Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism, and their artistic traditions. We will examine a wide range of media and monuments, including tomb objects--bronzes, jades, pottery, banners, stoneware; temple artwork such as sculpture and painting; relief panels from shrines; and pilgrimage sites adorned with murals and sculptures. The class will be primarily topical in approach, but will follow a roughly chronological sequence. Topics for discussion include, for example, devotional images and practices; funerary art; visualizations of the afterlife; artistic patronage; and the role of women in these arts.

The course is lecture-based, with weekly discussion sections. The lectures will introduce techniques of visual analysis in relation to the pageant of Chinese history, tracing the evolution of styles and their interactions over time. The discussion sections will enable students to develop their skills in visual analysis and their understanding of the readings. All are welcome. (Cheng)

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