Eastern Asian Architecture
400 BCE - 1000 BCE
Eastern Asian Style
East Asian architecture, encompassing China, Japan, and Korea, changed over millennia, influenced by various historical eras and cultural contexts. It's known for its unique integration of natural elements and harmony with the surrounding environment.
Ancient Chinese Architecture
Ancient Japanese Architecture
Ancient Korean Architecture
Influence of Buddhism (Religion)
The design of temples and pagodas arranged around central halls and tranquil settings is indicative of its influence, which stems from its emphasis on contemplation and sacred spaces. This impact also extended to the architectural features, such as gardens, ponds, and other natural features to create peaceful spaces that are ideal for introspection and meditation enhancing the spiritual and aesthetic value of these buildings by incorporating Buddhist symbols and themes.
Confucianism (Philosophy)
Confucianism is a moral and ethical philosophy that places a strong emphasis on moral integrity, social peace, and appropriate behavior in both private and public life. It promotes an ethical framework for people and society by focusing on the development of characteristics like filial piety, kindness, and righteousness.
Conflict or Peace?
East Asia saw multiple conflicts between 220 CE and the present, which had an impact on the evolution of architecture. The building of fortified buildings like castles, city walls, and defensive fortifications was frequently spurred by periods of dynastic warfare, invasions by nomadic peoples like the Mongols, and internal power struggles, which shaped the architectural landscape. The requirement for strategic and defensive building during these tumultuous times had a significant impact on East Asian building design, layout, and defensive characteristics, which in turn influenced the development of architectural styles and methods.
Building Materials
Timber:
Timber was a fundamental material serving as the primary construction material for building sturdy, resilient structures such as temples, palaces, and homes.
Tiles:
Tiles were incorporated to adorn roofs, offering weatherproofing and decorative elements, displaying intricate designs and vibrant colors in structures like temples, palaces, and pagodas.
Stone:
Stone was used for structural elements like foundations and walls, and for ornate carvings in sculptures, pagodas, and stelae.
Chinese Daoist Ritual Music (Audio):
Sound is important in Chinese Daoist ritual because it is thought to elicit spiritual energy, unite practitioners with cosmic forces, and create a harmonious environment conducive to Daoist practices and meditation.
Japanese Folk Music (Audio):
Japanese folk songs serve an important role in conserving cultural heritage by passing down stories, customs, and values through generations, representing the essence of Japanese history, daily life, and emotions.
Chinese Architecture: Infographic
The Forbidden City: Infographic
Japanese Architecture: Infrographic
Citations
google scholar book
Chung, S. (2005). East Asian values in historic conservation. Journal of Architectural Conservation, 11(1), 55–70. https://doi.org/10.1080/13556207.2005.10784935
Buddhist Art and Architecture Before 1200 | Art History Teaching resources. (n.d.). https://arthistoryteachingresources.org/lessons/buddhist-art-and-architecture-before-1200/#:~:text=Buddhism%2C%20the%20first%20Indian%20religion,stupa%20that%20holds%20no%20relics.
Cvetković, D. (2023, August 30). Asian Architecture Evolution: The Condensed Guide (2023). How to Rhino | Tutorials for Architects. https://howtorhino.com/blog/architecture-styles/asian-architecture/
Architecture of East Asia. (n.d.). Obo. https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780190922467/obo-9780190922467-0048.xml
Infographic (Theories of Asian Architecture). (2021, December 5). Issuu. https://issuu.com/khogerald/docs/add_a_subheading_5_
UW Departments web server. (n.d.). https://depts.washington.edu/
Horyuji Temple, Japan. (n.d.). http://www.art-and-archaeology.com/japan/horyuji5.html
Gyeongbokgung Palace - Google Arts & Culture. (n.d.). Google Arts & Culture. https://artsandculture.google.com/entity/gyeongbokgung-palace/m02v3t6?hl=en
Cartwright, M. (2023). Todaiji. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Todaiji/
Chelsea-Mitchell. (2018, November 20). Himeji, the Japanese castle of your dreams. Japamigo. https://www.japamigo.com/4343/
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2023, October 13). Forbidden City | History, Facts, & Map. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Forbidden-City
A World Of Music. (2021, November 16). Chinese Daoist Ritual Music [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5-VISp3OP4
Amnesiac Archive. (2012, May 20). Traditional Japanese Folk Music - “Oedo-Nihonbashi” [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJK4Efw_bhM
Chapekar, P. (2023, April 13). 10 elements of Japanese architecture. RTF | Rethinking the Future. https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/architectural-styles/a6825-10-elements-of-japanese-architecture/