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Asian art traditionally is clustered into two broad groups: far east Asian and Indian. In the far east, China was the springboard of all cultures. Japan and Korea have much in common with China because they were dominated for so long by its cultural power. Little is known of Indian culture until about the fourth century BCE when the life and influence of the Buddha had a major effect on art and architecture. This set explores art forms in these four countries, from ancient times to present day.

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Pottery shards and skeletal remains found near Beijing indicate that there was human life in China as far back as 500,000 years ago. Persistant culture seems to have developed in the same area 20,000 years ago. It followed a pattern that would last throughout China's history: the development of a culture, then invasion by barbarians, followed by decay and decline, and then another period of high culture.
Architecture
Painting
Sculpture
Miscellaneous Arts

Around 405 CE, Japan changed radically by adopting Chinese culture. The Japanese began to use Chinese script, and they adapted Buddhism. During the Kofun and Nara periods (c. 200-794 CE), Japan indirectly imported Chinese ideas relating to production techniques, istitutional models, and cultural features. These came by way of Korea through traveling merchants, monks, and students who head studied in China.
Architecture
Painting and Graphics
Sculpture
Miscellaneous Arts

For centuries Korea played a pivotal role in the region acting as the transmitter of culture between China and Japan. For example, transplanted - often kidnapped - Korean ceramic artists were instrumental in establishing a strong ceramic tradition in Japan. Unfortunately, its location between two major Asian powers meant that Korea faced many invasions throughout its history.
Painting
Sculpture
Miscellaneous Arts

Architecture, painting, and manuscript illumination all flourished under the Islamic Mughal dynasty that was, for the most part, tolerant of the Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Subsequent rulers of the dynasty extended its hold to almost the entire subcontinent. However, just as European powers were eager to exploit India's riches and seize control of areas of the continent, disputes between the heirs of Aurengzeb (1618-1707) brought about the demise of the dynasty.
Architecture
Painting
Sculpture