Landscape and figure painting in China was at first inspired by myth and nature. As the centuries wore on, the "ink play" of a dark brush moving freely across white silk or paper became its own source of inspiration. Although Japan, at different stages in history, was an enthusiastic heir to Chinese traditions, distinct forms of narrative scrolls, golden screen paintings, and prints depicting the pleasure quarters of Tokyo captured more of the Japanese spirit than the scope of Chinese painting could allow. In India, miniature paintings of nobles, gods, and kings developed from a history of manuscript illustrations completely different from the Chinese and Japanese interests. These three painting traditions from China, Japan, and India, will form the core of the survey of Asian painting. There will be weekly assignments, some of which consist of "building" a longer paper, step by step. Grades are based on these assignments and class participation. No hour exams nor final exam. Books: Tarao Miyagawa, Chinese Painting and Terakazu Akiyama, Japanese Painting. (Mannikka)